FOX (2.569 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.8, #2) then was the silver draw with a new "The Four: Battle for Stardom" (2.376 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T5) and a second "The Four: Battle for Stardom" (2.762 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.8, #4).

Big Brother's 20th season is going to have a game-changing twist and feature new innovative and interactive house decor. CBS has announced the upcoming edition of Big Brother this summer will have a high-tech, Silicon-Valley theme complete with interactive elements. The season's two-night, three-hour premiere "will give unprecedented power and punishments" to the 16 houseguests, according to the network.

Big Brother's executive producer Allison Grodner has revealed additional details about the reality franchise's milestone 20th season -- including surprises involving the cast, and what its big twist entails.

Allison told Entertainment Weekly's radio show, Morning Live, that Season 20 will actually stick with its cast of 16 newbie houseguests and include no veteran players competing for the $500,000 grand prize when it premieres June 27 at 8PM ET/PT. When asked whether any returning houseguests might secretly show up to compete, Allison replied, "No, there will be not."

"I can confirm there will not be. It's different," Allison said. "We always try to mix it up and keep it fresh and this year, as you've already seen, there are 16 brand new houseguests that will be playing this game."

However, fans can still expect to see former Big Brother houseguests throughout Season 20 in a different role or capacity. "Now it is the 20th season," Allison noted to EW. "It's our 20th anniversary of Big Brother so there will be nods to our history and our past houseguests from the get-go. You will see that in the show and throughout the summer."

CBS previously announced the new season will include a "BB App Store" twist that will be unveiled during the Sunday, July 1 episode at 8PM ET/PT.

The twist will allow viewers to get their favorite houseguests trending on social media, resulting in power apps or punishments that could crash their game. So is the "App Store" twist similar to "America's Choice," where viewers could vote for a particular houseguest to receive an advantage? "It is sort of a spin on that. It's a big different though," Allison explained, adding that viewers will be able to go online and complete a survey about the houseguests.

Australia's Pointless FriendsAndrew Rochford, Mark Humphries to Host Australian Version
From Mediaweek

Network Ten has commissioned an Australian version of the quiz show Pointless.

Premiering on TEN and WIN Network soon, Pointless will be co-hosted by Dr Andrew Rochford and comedian and writer Mark Humphries and sees three teams of two contestants each compete for a jackpot by finding the most obscure answers they can across a variety of topics.

The show marks the return of Rochford to TEN, while Humphries joins TEN after recently farewelling the SBS show The Feed. The aim of Pointless is to score as few points as possible. The contestants with the highest scores after each round are eliminated.

Dr Andrew Rochford said; "I'm very lucky to be forming a team with a talent like Mark and genuinely excited to be back at TEN but I'm even more excited about the fact my dressing room has a couch and Mark's doesn't."

Mark Humphries said; "Who said Twitter is a waste of time! After an extensive social media campaign (two tweets) TEN had no choice but to give me the dream role as host of Pointless."

Network Ten chief content officer Beverley McGarvey said: "We are delighted to commission such a successful and entertaining game show as Pointless. This is fantastic entertainment for the whole family, as contestants try to find the most pointless answers. "And we are absolutely thrilled to have Andrew and Mark co-host the show. They are smart, funny, and engaging and will make a brilliant duo."

Produced by Endemol Shine Australia for Network Ten, Pointless has been a standout success since its launch in the UK in 2009. It has been adapted internationally for broadcasters in 11 other territories including Germany, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy and Poland.

And finally, a repeat "The Flash" (0.648 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.2, #T13) and a new "The 100" (0.729 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.2, #T13) rounded out the evening on The CW (0.688 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.2, #5).

Each episode puts the red & black teams, comprised of returning and new cast members, against each other in some of the most hilarious, entertaining and outrageous games seen on television. Nick Cannon will lead his red team against a celebrity-guest led black team as the two teams try to best each other in ridiculous comic throw downs. These games escalate with each act, all gearing up toward the "Wildstyle battle" to decide who takes home the coveted WNO battle belt.

Fear Factor Finds CelebrityCatch It on MTV July 17
From The Futon Critic

MTV's "Fear Factor" returns with celebrity episodes on Tuesday, July 17th at 10PM ET with a two-hour premiere.

Hosted by Ludacris, the series will include ten, one-hour celebrity episodes filled with new stunts inspired by urban legends, popular scary movies and viral videos from today's cultural zeitgeist. The celebrity contestants will confront their fears, be pushed beyond their comfort zones and take action against some of their biggest stressors.

Food Network Gets Ultimate Summer Cook-OffCatch It on Food Network August 5
From The Futon Critic

Six talented chefs enter the summer house to square off in the new primetime culinary series, Ultimate Summer Cook-Off, premiering Sunday, August 5th at 8pm ET/PT on Food Network. Whether it's a chef with a restaurant right on the beach, a seafood master, or a chef from Hawaii, each competitor has their own connection to the summer season and their culinary reputations at stake. Host Eddie Jackson challenges the chefs over four episodes, as each competitor must take on two rounds of summer culinary heats that test their skill and creativity. The chef who wins the first challenge in each episode will receive a key advantage during round two, gaining access to a special cooler with high-end ingredients that no other competitor can use, before presenting their creations to a panel of expert judges. Southern and Hungry's Damaris Phillips and Let's Eat's Jamika Pessoa are joined by a roster of special guest judges each week, including Comfort Food Tour's Mark Anderson and Ryan Fey, BBQ blogger Susie Bulloch, Comfort Nation's Lazarus Lynch, Genius Kitchen's Courtney Rada and pitmaster Cameron Treu, to determine which chef exemplifies what summer is all about with their dishes and earns the $25,000 grand prize.

"Summer is synonymous with spending time with family and friends, while gathering around the grill to dig in to some finger-licking BBQ," said Courtney White, General Manager and Executive Vice President, Programming, Food Network and HGTV. "Eddie Jackson is the perfect host to challenge these six chefs in taking their culinary bona fides and placing them on the line, while creating summer dishes that are fun and exhilarating for a chance at walking away with $25,000."

Friday will be fight night on Epix later this summer. The Mark Burnett-produced revival of boxing competition series The Contender will answer the bell at 10 PM August 24, the premium cabler said today.

Burnett is producing the 12-episode series along with his longtime executive producer Eric Van Wagenen. MGM Television and Paramount Television are producing the show hosted by former champion Andre "Son of God" Ward — who retired last year with an undefeated record.

The logline: The Contender will feature 16 fighters pushing their limits in grueling elimination-style fights and testing their grit and determination to achieve their boxing dreams. The fighters will be overseen by legendary boxing coach Freddie Roach and renowned Philadelphia trainer Naazim Richardson.

The Four Heads to KazakhstanArmoza Format to Head to Peru As Well
From World Screen

Armoza Formats has licensed the prime-time singing competition The Four for a local treatment in Kazakhstan. Starting in September, a 12-episode season will air on Khabar TV.

In addition, Peru's Latina is now airing a second live season of The Four, following the success of the first season. A second season is also on air in the U.S.

Alan Azhibayev, CEO of Khabar Agency, said: "We are pleased to announce that a breakthrough show in the music industry world is now available for Kazakhstan viewers on Khabar channel. The audience of Khabar is always looking forward to music project for discovering new talent. We are sure The Four is exactly the show our viewers will like and it will spotlight brand new stars in Kazakhstan music."

Avi Armoza, CEO of Armoza Formats, added: "As The Four continues to expand its global reach, we are happy to be working with Khabar TV to bring our entertaining prime time singing competition to Kazakhstan. The format continues to show its strength with emotional and dramatic seasons and we are looking forward to seeing what this adaptation will bring."

Back to ParadiseCatch "Bachelor in Paradise" on ABC August
From TV Line

ABC on Tuesday announced 17 of the contestants competing for love — you know, assuming they're there for the right reasons!!! — in Season 5 of Bachelor in Paradise.

The network described this first round of contestants as "fan favorites" from various seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, but we've grouped them together in case your memory is a little fuzzy:

* From Nick's season of The Bachelor: Angela Amezcua and Astrid Loch
* From Arie's season of The Bachelor: Annaliese Puccini, Bibiana Julian, Chelsea Roy, Kendall Long, Krystal Nielson, Nysha Norris and Tia Booth
* From Becca's season of The Bachelorette: David Ravitz, Joe Amabile, John Graham, Jordan Kimball and Nick Spetsas
* From Rachel's season of The Bachelorette: Eric Bigger and Kenny Layne
* From The Bachelor Winter Games: Kevin Wendt

Nickelodeon's fans from the '80s are all grown up, but the kid-centric network hasn't forgotten about them. The network, know for its youth-friendly game shows of the 1980s and '90s, is bringing back one of its classic hits: Double Dare.

Double Dare originally aired from 1986 – 1993 (and had a quick revival in 2000 that lasted less than a year). The show pitted two groups of contestants against each other in a trivia battle where one team could dare the other team to answer the proposed question or make them participate in slimy physical challenges. The winner of that round would move on to the obstacle course, a grab-bag of eight wacky and slime-filled challenges that the contestants had to complete in 60 seconds.

And finally, the return of "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" (1.326 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T11), a new "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (1.111 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T11) and a repeat "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (1.074 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.2, #13) rounded out the night on The CW (1.209 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.3, #5).

The session ending June 17 was a nasty week for most of syndication thanks to widespread preemptions for coverage of the 2018 World Cup and U.S. Open golf championship.

For example, Dr. Phil, which aired repeats on all five days, slipped 10% to a 2.7 live-plus-same-day national Nielsen rating. However, that was more than enough to capture the talk show crown for the 93rd week in a row and improve 4% from last year.

On the positive side, Judge Judy, despite being in reruns for part of the frame, was the No. 1 show of any type for the 17th straight week. Even though the program pulled back 6%, Judy was still 5% ahead of last year at a syndication best 6.6.

In the household rating rankings that follow, % change is from the previous week; * indicates a new season-high rating; ** indicates a new season low; NC indicates no change from the previous week; NA mean not applicable.

Return to Paradise, Plus "Castaways"Catch It on ABC August 7
From the Futon Critic

Summer lovin' is sure to happen fast as the hit series "Bachelor in Paradise" returns for season five TUESDAY, AUG. 7 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.

Breakout fan favorites from "The Bachelor" franchise are back and ready for a second (or third) chance at finding love. They may have left "The Bachelor" or "The Bachelorette" brokenhearted, but now they have the opportunity to travel to a romantic paradise in hopes of turning a potential summer fling into the real thing. Cast to be announced at a later date.

Fans will follow former bachelors and bachelorettes as they explore new relationships while living together in a secluded and dreamy paradise in Mexico. As they have some fun in the sun, America will witness whether they fall in love or are reintroduced to heartbreak. This season will be sure to feature shocking twists, surprises, unexpected guests and some of the most unlikely relationships in "Bachelor" history. Which romantic hopefuls will follow in the footsteps of Jade and Tanner or Carly and Evan? And for anyone wondering where Paradise could lead them, newly engaged Ashley and Jared have proven that anything is possible when it comes to true love.

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "Bachelor in Paradise" is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television. Mike Fleiss, Martin Hilton, Nicole Woods and Elan Gale are the executive producers. "Bachelor in Paradise" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 stereo surround sound.

"Castaways" is a revolutionary series testing the human need for companionship under extreme circumstances as each individual learns there are other castaways out there but are unaware of how many, their locations or when they will be rescued. This visually stunning, new reality series follows 12 diverse individuals as they're dropped alone throughout various islets in Indonesia and challenged to survive among washed-up luggage, scattered resources and abandoned structures.

"Castaways" premieres TUESDAY, AUG. 7 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand. The only way to leave the remote islands is to persevere long enough to be rescued or to quit. As dramatic situations unfold on an expanse of islands in the South Pacific, the series flashes back to the real lives of each participant in documentary fashion, demonstrating haunting parallels to the lives they left behind.

"Castaways" is produced by Nomad Entertainment which specializes in unscripted television and documentary features. Emmy(R)-nominated producer, Grant Kahler serves as showrunner. Kahler's credits include serving as creator and executive producer of Discovery Channel's "Alaska: The Last Frontier" and History's "Madhouse," as well as serving as executive producer of the hit competition series "Alone" and "The Selection" for History.

Terry Crews won't be in "Expendables 4". He goes to Washington to explain why (Yahoo!)

posted 6/26/18

Can You Beat the Internet?Vice Teams with ITV
From Deadline

Vice Studios is continuing to pick up commissions from third-party broadcasters – this time securing a gameshow from British network UKTV.

The Discovery and BBC Studios-backed broadcaster has ordered Beat The Internet with John Robins for its male-skewing Dave channel. It also marks Vice's first studio gameshow, coming after Channel 5 documentary series Britain's Cocaine Epidemic and BBC2 doc The Satanic Verses.

The format will see comedian Robins pit members of the public against each other in a quest to predict how search engines respond to a series of questions – from images to wordplay.

It was created by Dan Louw and is exec produced by Vice Studios' Creative Director Yonni Usiskin and series edited by Keith Cotton. It was ordered by UKTV's Senior Commissioning Editor Iain Coyle, Director of Commissioning Richard Watsham and Genre General Manager, Comedy and Entertainment Steve North. All3Media International will sell the format and finished series globally.

You're Welcome Dolph Lundgren to Host "Take The Tower" for ITV
From SeenIt

Hollywood action hero Dolph Lundgren is to present Take The Tower, a new ITV4 show which draws inspiration from classic Hollywood action movies to create a challenge show like no other.

The actor, who starred in Rocky, Universal Soldier and The Expendables blockbusters as well as upcoming films Aquaman and Creed 2, will challenge some of the toughest members of the public to a combination of physical challenges and quiz questions.

Contestants who manage to make their way to the top of the 'tower' will whisk their mates off on holiday.

This adrenaline packed series will tap into classic movie tropes, requiring toughness, brains and stamina. It's high stakes with cash prizes up for grabs and the fear of one of the team being 'toppled off the tower'.

Sharing the demo crown was FOX (2.388 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T1) with a new "The Four: Battle for Stardom" (2.185 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T7) and a second hour of "The Four: Battle for Stardom" (2.591 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.8, #3).

Joe Lycett Takes His TimeThe BBC Lines Up Quirky New Quiz
From Deadline

The British love a slice of quirky and eccentric Saturday night television and it seems the BBC's latest primetime gameshow will deliver just that. The British public broadcaster has ordered The Time It Takes from Hat Trick Productions, the company behind long-running panel format Have I Got News For You and Matt LeBlanc comedy Episodes.

The Time It Takes, which has been handed an eight-part run starting later this year on BBC One, will be fronted by rising comedian Joe Lycett, who has appeared on shows such as UKTV's Taskmaster and recently scored a consumer affairs comedy, Got Your Back, from Channel 4.

The show will see members of the public race to answer as many questions as possible within a specific time limit. However, instead of it being a pre-determined amount of time, the limits will be set with a difference. For instance, viewers could choose to answer questions in the time that it takes for Tower Bridge to come all the way down or to solve a Rubik's cube underwater or unwrap an entire family pack of toffees. Other silly challenges include figuring out whether it would take longer to pack an air bed back into a box, or fill a welly with custard using a turkey baster.

The winners of the quirky quiz will receive a dream holiday, while the losers will only take home a tea towel. It is the latest wacky gameshow commissioned by the BBC, which recently handed Last Week Tonight with John Oliver producer Avalon a commission for The Button, a gameshow set in the homes of the general public.

Lycett said, "Never before has so much relied on someone knowing how long a kettle takes to boil. The Time It Takes is one of the most brilliantly daft shows I've ever been involved in – and that's saying something."

Hat Trick, run by Jimmy Mulville, is also behind Noel Edmonds-fronted daytime gameshow Cheap, Cheap, Cheap and the CW's Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Mulville said, "The Time It Takes is a brilliant format which is brought to life by the hugely talented Joe Lycett. It's both exciting and funny – just what you want at tea-time on Saturdays."

HQ-ties and '90s kids, this news is for you. Double Dare's Marc Summers will co-host Sunday's HQ Trivia game alongside Scott Rogowsky — and Nickelodeon is promising a potential live sliming on the app, too.

"Some shows are format driven and others are host driven. HQ is both, and Scott Rogowsky definitely holds it down for all hosts out there," Summers, 66, tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement. "The game is fun, and because of his amazing personality and quick wit, sometimes I don't even care if I answer questions correctly! Scott is a superstar and I am honored to share the stage this Sunday, and give away lots of money and a huge Double Dare prize!"

Adds Rogowsky, 33: "As a bona fide 90s kid raised by TV, Marc Summers was nothing short of a deity in my pre-teen eyes — a god of wisdom and slime. I never could have imagined growing up to become a game show host myself, let alone getting this opportunity to share the screen with my childhood hero on Sunday night's big money edition of HQ. I'm ready to take the physical challenge."

Sunday's cash prize will be a whopping $50,000, and one lucky player will win a Double Dare VIP experience, complete with a trip to L.A. for a taping of Nickelodeon's rebooted kids game show. The original Double Dare aired from 1986-93, hosted by Summers. The network revived the series this summer with 40 new episodes executive-produced by him.

Every episode of "Making It" will revolve around a central theme that draws inspiration from hugely popular nationwide trends in crafting and DIY, which the whole family can enjoy. Each episode of the competition will consist of two projects, cleverly designed by Poehler and Offerman, that test the Makers' ability to think outside of the box in unpredictable ways.

Believing there is no better way to express yourself than by making things by hand, the challenges are also designed to bring out skilled insights and takeaway, touching personal stories and lots of laughs.

First, the "faster-craft" round will be a timed challenge that will test their ability to not only work quickly but imaginatively as well. Next, the Makers will move to the "master craft collection," a one-of-a-kind themed challenge in which the competitors will need to use their expertise and get inventive in order to assemble a winning craft that fits the theme of that week. In the end, only one will emerge victorious and be named "Master Maker."

Simon Doonan, who is Creative Ambassador for Barneys New York, has worked in fashion for more than 35 years, winning many awards for his groundbreaking window displays, including the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Award.

Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy's trend expert, is in constant pursuit of new and unique finds on Etsy's global marketplace. She is responsible for keeping her finger on the pulse of the hottest trends in the market and what new products are bubbling up.

"Making It" is executive produced by Amy Poehler, Brooke Posch, Nicolle Yaron, Nick Offerman, Dave Becky and Anthony Dominici. The series is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio in association with Paper Kite Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment.

On the Road Again"The Great Food Truck Race" Returns to Food July 26
From the Futon Critic

The Great Food Truck Race takes a culinary road battle through the Wild West this summer, with seven teams of food truck hopefuls competing to win a $50,000 grand prize.

Hosted by Tyler Florence, the trip hits hot spots in the Southwest to test the competitors' cooking chops, selling skills and business savvy. Each week, the teams hit a new city for fierce food challenges, and the least successful truck heads home - until the one team left standing is awarded $50,000.

The Great Food Truck Race kicks off Thursday, July 26th at 9pm ET/PT and the winning truck will be named in the season finale on Thursday, August 30th at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network. "Every summer, our viewers look forward to hitting the highway for a scenic road trip with a brand-new roster of food trucks," said Courtney White, Executive Vice President, Programming, Food Network and HGTV.

"These teams bring their food and business A-game to the race, but only one will cross the finish line $50,000 closer to achieving their dreams."

And finally, a repeat "The Flash" (0.763 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.2, #14) and a new "The 100" (0.897 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.3, #13) rounded out the evening on The CW (0.830 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.2, #5).

MONDAY: ABC's Winning "Proposal"Debuts Power Alphabet
From the Futon Critic

ABC (5.062 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.2, #1) held off the competition on Monday with a new "The Bachelorette" (5.669 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.4, #1) alongside the launch of "The Proposal" (3.848 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T3).

Meanwhile, FOX (2.650 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T3) offered up a new "So You Think You Can Dance" (3.128 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T3) and an encore "So You Think You Can Dance" (2.173 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T10).

And finally, the season finale of "Supergirl" (1.785 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T10), a new "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (0.959 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T12) and a repeat "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (0.898 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T12) rounded out the evening on The CW (1.357 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.4, #5).

BYUtv, a family entertainment network, today announced the premiere date of two new unscripted shows "Best Cake Wins" and "Donna Hay - Basics to Brilliance Kids."

Acquired by BYUtv, the Australian cooking show "Donna Hay - Basics to Brilliance Kids" is set to premiere in the U.S. on Tuesday, June 19th at 6:00pm MT followed by "Best Cake Wins," a baking competition show at 6:30pm MT.

Created by Toronto-based content production companies, Blue Ant Media and Architect Films with BYUtv, "Best Cake Wins" is a fun and friendly baking competition series designed to make a child's most desired birthday cake a reality. On "Best Cake Wins," kids design their dream cake based on their own artwork and two expert bakers take these concepts and bring them to life. The birthday boy or girl ultimately decides which cake wins. "Best Cake Wins" is currently airing on the Makeful network in Canada.

"We are thrilled to further diversify our programming roster with these cooking shows that appeal to families and viewers of all ages," said Michael Dunn, managing director of BYUtv. "These two newly acquired shows combine food, family and fun to further emphasize our commitment to creating content that is cross-generational and brings families together."

Facebook's Move to Challenge HQ for Quiz App SupremacyFirst Out the Gate: "Confetti", "Outside Your Bubble", "What's in the Box"
From Engadget

Instead of creating its own HQ Trivia competitor, Facebook has taken a broader approach and created an entire gaming platform.

The company announced polls for Live and on demand videos as well as new gamification features for Live videos. Partners like Insider, BuzzFeed and Fresno can add polls, quizzes and challenges to both individual videos as well as entire game show series.

Confetti by Insider is an interactive pop culture trivia game show that will air daily. Like HQ, Confetti will let you see what your friends answer, but on an every day basis. Cash prizes are on offer if you answer all the questions right; you'll split the pot if more than one person gets them all. Outside Your Bubble by BuzzFeed News will apparently challenge players to guess what others "across the cultural divide" are thinking, while What's in the Box by Fresno will let you guess what's in a closed box. Guess correctly to win prizes.

In addition to these interactive video features, Facebook is adding more content to Watch and rolling out Top Fan badges to more creator communities. There's also a new video template for Pages that puts video and community more prominently on a Page. Creators and publishers can try it out, and revert back easily, as well. Finally, there's a new Brand Collabs Manager, which will let brands search and find creators on Facebook to make deals and partnerships.

By a wide margin Judge Judy was syndication's highest-rated show for a sweet 16 straight weeks in the session ending June 10. Even more impressive was that Judy, which was in repeats for part of the week, went up while almost everything else in syndication was down or, at best, flat.

However, the game shows were all lower week to week, with Family Feud slipping 2% to a 6.1, Jeopardy dropping 2% to a 5.5, Wheel of Fortune falling 4% to a 5.4 and Who Wants To Be a Millionaire devaluing 6% to a new season low 1.5

In the household rating rankings that follow, % change is from the previous week; * indicates a new season-high rating; ** indicates a new season low; NC indicates no change from the previous week; NA mean not applicable.

Disney Switches on a Game ShowMouse Teams with Nintendo for "Family Showdown"
From Nerd Much?

Nintendo and Disney are teaming up to bring the gaming medium to your television set in a different way. The two companies are joining forces to deliver Nintendo Switch Family Showdown, a game show program that will air on Disney networks.

Nintendo Switch Family Showdown The show will pit four families against one another in "fun and friendly competition." The families will be tasked with completing a series of challenges across various titles. Games specifically mentioned to be used in the show are Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Tennis Aces, and Just Dance 2018.

Nintendo and Disney have rolled out an open casting call to all families interested in taking part in the show. You can sign up for a chance to be chosen here. You're asked to submit a one-minute video showcasing your fandom, and likely to prove you'll be good on television. Deadline for entries is July 2nd at 2:59 a.m. Eastern, which would be 11:59 p.m. of July 1st Pacific.

The Next Level of App Game? Pop-a-ShotHypGames Adds "Basketbrawl"
From PR Web

HypGames, Inc. — a sports entertainment leader — announced today they've added an arcade action basketball competition to their free mobile game platform, HypSports. The game is the second on the HypSports platform that offers real cash to winners. In an industry first, it combines the appointment mechanics of popular trivia apps with the skill-based action of best-selling sports video games.

The new competition joins HypSports' full schedule of daily digital events, including the season-long sport and esport fantasy game, HypSports Showdown, and the daily trivia show, Trivia Clash.

"The success of HQ Trivia does not go unnoticed in our industry. They've proved that people want to compete in live daily events for cash prizes. We've used our background in creating some of the most popular sports video games to build a new kind of playable media channel that offers sports fans and gamers a daily destination to feed their competitive nature in a variety of ways," said Mike Taramykin, CEO of HypSports.

With the introduction of Basket Brawl, HypSports sets a new standard as the only mobile contest app that offers a full schedule of both daily and season-long competition. In addition to providing a schedule of events, the HypSports platform allows on-the-spot event creation, custom competitive events, and unique partnership opportunities, including integration into live sporting events.

"We're already working on our next release. This is just the beginning," said Taramykin.

HypSports is available to download free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and Google Play for Android devices.

Chris Hardwick's Future on "The Wall" Up in the AirNBC to Investigate Matter
From TV Line

Chris Hardwick's future as host of The Wall has yet to be determined, according to NBC.

The Peacock network on Saturday released a statement in light of allegations of abuse leveled against Hardwick by ex-girlfriend Chloe Dykstra.

It reads as follows:

These allegations about Chris Hardwick took us by surprise as we have had a positive working relationship with him. However, we take allegations of misconduct very seriously. Production on The Wall does not begin until September, and in the meantime we are continuing to assess the situation and will take appropriate action based on the outcome.

NBC's statement comes just hours after AMC announced that it would not air Season 2 of Hardwick's Talking, which was scheduled to premiere on Sunday night. What's more, Hardwick will no longer moderate planned AMC and BBC America panels at San Diego Comic-Con in July. No word yet on the future of post-Walking Dead talk show Talking Dead, which Hardwick has hosted since 2011.

Hardwick's former company, Nerdist Industries, has also addressed the controversy, insisting that Hardwick has had "no operational involvement with Nerdist" for years. Meanwhile, all references to Hardwick were scrubbed from Nerdist.com.

NBC's response comes two days after Dykstra, an actress and former Nerdist web host, published a blog post on Medium accusing an unnamed ex of emotional and sexual abuse during their three-year relationship; many quickly connected her account to her relationship with Hardwick. In response, Hardwick released a statement on Friday, denying that he ever sexually assaulted her..

BBCLESLIE GRANTHAM: 1947-2018Fort Boyard's Titular Lord
From The New York Times

Leslie Grantham, who became a star on British television in the 1980s as the archvillain Dirty Den Watts on the hit soap opera "EastEnders," died on Friday. He was 71.

His management company, Advocate Agency, announced the death but did not say where he died or disclose the cause.

"EastEnders," which made its debut in 1985 and is still on the air, chronicles life in the fictional working-class London neighborhood of Walford. Mr. Grantham's unscrupulous, adulterous character ran a pub with his wife, Angie, and their tempestuous relationship was central to many of the show's most dramatic plots. The show has also appeared on public television and BBC America in the United States.

Half of Britain's population, some 30 million people, watched a 1986 Christmas episode in which Den handed his wife divorce papers with the words "Happy Christmas, Ange."

"Everyone thought Den was a lovable rogue," Mr. Grantham later said. "He wasn't evil, he was just Jack the lad."

Mr. Grantham left the show in 1989, when his character was shot and apparently killed, but Den was resurrected in 2003. He was shot and killed by his second onscreen wife in 2005.

Born in London on April 30, 1947, Mr. Grantham joined the British army as a teenager. In 1967, while stationed in Germany, he was convicted of killing a taxi driver during a robbery attempt. He served a decade in prison, and while there became interested in acting. He had a few small television parts before auditioning for "EastEnders."

In 2004 Mr. Grantham was ensnared in a scandal after taking part in webcam sex sessions from his "EastEnders" dressing room with an undercover reporter. He left the show soon afterward.

Mr. Grantham also performed onstage, hosted a TV game show, "Fort Boyard", wrote a children's novel and appeared in a television series in Bulgaria.

His survivors include three sons. His marriage to Jane Laurie ended in divorce.

Next up was FOX (2.160 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T1) with week two of "The Four: Battle for Stardom" (1.880 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T10) and a second "The Four: Battle for Stardom" (2.439 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T5).

NBC (4.196 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.9, #2) then was a close second with the Monday-bound "American Ninja Warrior" (5.106 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T1) and a new "Reverie" (2.376 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T10).

Netflix Gets a Sugar RushHunter March to Host Baking Competition
From Eater

As part of its ongoing effort to bring more reality programming to the masses, today Netflix announces the production of a new cooking competition show called Sugar Rush.

The series will feature bakers making desserts against the clock for judges Adriano Zumbo (of the Australian TV show Zumbo's Just Desserts) and Candace Nelson (the proprietor of LA-based cupcake chain Sprinkles).

This eight-episode series will be hosted by Game Show Network veteran Hunter March, and it's being produced by Magical Elves, the team that makes Top Chef, among other reality series.

VH1 Drags On with RuPaulReality Competition Renewed
From The Futon Critic

VH1 is Ru-warding Drag Race for its most-watched season yet with — what else — another season!

Television's fishiest reality competition series will return for Season 11, after averaging 1.2 million total viewers per episode in its current tenth outing.

"After 10 sickening seasons, the Drag Race phenomenon is just getting started," executive producer and host RuPaul Charles said in a statement. "I want to thank VH1 for providing this amazing platform for a whole new generation of super talented drag queens."

And because RuPaul's Drag Race is only part of the experience, VH1 has also renewed Untucked — Drag Race's half-hour behind-the-scenes after show — for an additional season.

Four queens — Eureka, Aquaria, Asia O'Hara and Kameron Michaels — remain in the competition, and Thursday's episode (VH1, 8/7c) will feature a fierce battle for the season's final three slots as the contestants write and perform their own verses in RuPaul's "American."

Grill masters from four popular barbecue regions across the country are entering the Chopped kitchen for a fiery new season of Chopped Grill Masters, premiering Tuesday, July 31st at 9:00pm ET/PT on Food Network. Over five episodes, four top-notch grill masters from Kansas City, Missouri; North Carolina; Memphis, Tennessee; and Texas compete for a cash prize and hometown bragging rights. Hosted by Ted Allen, and featuring a rotating panel of Chopped and special guest judges, including Moe Cason, Scott Conant, Melissa Cookston, Amanda Freitag, Alex Guarnaschelli, Elizabeth Karmel, Myron Mixon, Marc Murphy, Chris Santos, Ernest Servantes and Geoffrey Zakarian, each regional episode challenges the grill masters to showcase their skills over three rounds - appetizer, entrée and dessert - as they utilize the mystery basket of ingredients to create unique and delicious dishes that will wow the judges; each episode will also include a hometown specialty in one of the baskets, giving the competitors the opportunity to really bring the competition home.

The winner from each regional heat will go on to compete in the finale on Tuesday, August 28th at 9pm ET/PT for the $50,000 grand prize. "This season of Chopped Grill Masters is more competitive than ever before," said Courtney White, General Manager and Executive Vice President, Programming, Food Network and HGTV. "With a national stage, it isn't just local bragging rights at stake, the chefs need to also bring their absolute best to the Chopped kitchen if they want to win, not only for themselves, but for their home state."

Crumbling "Wall"Hungarian Version "A Failure" According to RTL CEO
From TBI Vision

At the New Europe Market (NEM) in Croatia, RTL Hungary CEO Gabriella Vidus branded the format adaptation of The Wall a "failure" for the channel, after a competitor created a similar local version of the game show.

"We had a huge failure with The Wall, I have to say. Obviously it's happened only in Hungary so far. A competitor has stolen the format and they made a show that's pretty similar," she said.

"What they did was very successful, but it shows you that major formats are not really protected. Nothing has happened other than the format was burned and it is gone. So it's a big lesson for everybody in the market."

The Endemol Shine-owned format has so far been an international hit selling in 24 territories including Australia, Germany, France and Canada.

In Colombia it launched with a 40.2% market share, while in Canada the format attracted a consolidated audience of 1.52 million viewers with a 41.1% share.

Cloud9 has announced a streaming content partnership with Mammoth Media for the organization's League of Legends academy team. The announcement means that Riot Games is now allowing organizations to stream matches featuring their academy teams, a first for the company.

Cloud9 fans will soon be able to tune into the team's Twitch channel for an exclusive pre-game show, the matches themselves—with casting talent hired by Cloud9—and a post-match wrap-up show featuring Cloud9's Academy Team. During both the pre- and post-match shows, fans will have the chance to win cash prizes by playing esports-themed trivia on Mammoth Media's trivia app, Arena.

In a press release, CEO and co-founder of Cloud9 Esports, Inc. Jack Etienne said, "We're excited to partner with Mammoth Media for our LCS Academy broadcasts. Partnering with Mammoth gives us a new, fun way to engage directly with our fans through trivia matches on Arena."

Big Brother Arrives EarlyCBS All Access to Introduce Houseguests 9 Days Early
From Reality TV World

Big Brother fans don't have to wait for the Season 20 premiere to meet the newest batch of houseguests! Big Brother's 20th edition is set to premiere Wednesday, June 27 at 8PM ET/PT on CBS, but subscribers of the network's CBS All Access streaming service will be able to get a glimpse of the houseguests more than a week sooner.

CBS All Access subscribers will be able to meet the houseguests on Monday, June 18 at 11AM ET/PT, before anyone else, thanks to the Big Brother Live Feeds.

The cast will once again live under the same roof for an entire summer and compete for the $500,000 prize. Fans will be able to stream the Big Brother Live Feeds -- including the introduction to the houseguests on June 18 -- via desktop, smartphone, and a variety of other electronic devices. The footage can also be watched simply on CBS.com.

The first week following the May sweep was a challenging one for syndication as many shows went into repeats in the session that began with Memorial Day and ended on June 3.

In addition, some programs were preempted by coverage of French Open tennis and Stanley Cup hockey.

In game show action, Family Feud fell 2% to a 6.2, but still topped the 5.6 for both Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, which declined 3% and 2%, respectively.

In the household rating rankings that follow, % change is from the previous week; * indicates a new season-high rating; ** indicates a new season low; NC indicates no change from the previous week; NA mean not applicable.

MONDAY: "Bachelorette" Gets a RoseABC Wins the Night
From The Futon Critic

ABC (4.723 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.2, #1) was back on top on Monday thanks to a new "The Bachelorette" (5.540 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.4, #1) and a repeat "$100,000 Pyramid" (3.091 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T2).

And finally, new episodes of "Supergirl" (1.789 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.4, #T10) and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (1.004 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T12) plus a repeat "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (0.982 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T12) rounded out the evening on The CW (1.391 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.4, #5).

It was recently announced that "Project Runway," was coming back to its original home on Bravo during the NBCUniversal Upfront on May 14. Bravo launched "Project Runway" in 2004 where it continued airing through 2008, and now returns for Season 17. The show joins Bravo's diverse slate of programming and its expansion of seven nights a week of original series in primetime.

And finally, the season finale of "My Last Days" (0.626 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.2, #T9) and a new "Life Sentence" (0.394 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.1, #T11) rounded out the night on The CW (0.510 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.1, #5).

KYTV SpringfieldNEAL BOYD: 1976-2018"America's Got Talent" Champion of Season 3
From TV Line

Opera singer Neal Boyd, who won Season 3 of America's Got Talent, died Sunday of heart failure, kidney failure and liver disease. He was 42.

Boyd's death comes one year after he and his mother were involved in a serious car accident, in which their vehicle ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree.

Formerly the co-owner of an insurance agency, Boyd rose to fame on the NBC reality competition's third season, where he shared the emotional story of his impoverished childhood and wowed judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff with his audition performance of "Nessun Dorma".

He went on to win Season 3, earning a $1 million prize and a headlining act in Las Vegas.

His post-Talent career included an album, My American Dream, and performances for multiple U.S. presidents. He also sang Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.

Boyd briefly dabbled in politics, too: He ran for a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives twice, but was defeated both times.

Chef Anthony Bourdain, best known to TV audiences for his CNN series Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, has died at the age of 61. The cause of death was suicide.

CNN first announced Bourdain's death in a statement released Friday morning, which reads, "It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain. His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time."

Bourdain was in France on Friday shooting an upcoming episode of Parts Unknown, which is currently in its 11th season.

He was found unresponsive in his hotel room by his friend, French chef Eric Ripert.

Prior to the Peabody Award-winning Parts Unknown, Bourdain hosted the Food Network's A Cook's Tour and the Travel Channel's No Reservations, for which he earned two Emmy awards.

Before that, he hosted two seasons of "The Taste", a cooking competition for ABC that ran from 2013 to 2015. He also made appeareances on "MasterChef Australia" and "Top Chef".

Tributes have been pouring in from all over the world since the news broke. "MasterChef" & "Hell's Kitchen" host Gordon Ramsay tweeted, "Stunned and saddened by the loss of Anthony Bourdain. He brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures and cities through their food. Remember that help is a phone call away US:1-800-273-TALK UK: 116 123".

Nigella Lawson, his fellow judge on "The Taste", had this to say: "Heartbroken to hear about Tony Bourdain's death. Unbearable for his family and girlfriend."

President Barack Obama: ""Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer." This is how I'll remember Tony. He taught us about food — but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together. To make us a little less afraid of the unknown. We'll miss him."

Ryan Seacrest: "We have lost one of the greatest storytellers in the world Anthony Bourdain. He took us around the world sharing food culture and mostly the connection between people. He will be missed."

Chrissy Teigen: "Anthony. One of my idols. Unapologetic, passionate and one of the best storytellers on the planet. Thank you for making food so exciting. And always standing up for everything right. Horrible. Why why why. Be at peace now :("

Ever imagined what every '90s kid's favorite game show might look like in the 21st century? Feel free to leave those theories at the door. Because the first photos of Nickelodeon's Double Dare reboot set have officially graced the internet. And from the looks of them, it seems like the upcoming series is putting a modern spin on the classic kid-friendly game show that rocked the late '80s and early '90s.

So fans of the original series should probably expect to see some throwbacks when the revamped Double Dare kicks off at the end of the month. For those OG Double Dare enthusiasts who watched the show way back when — yes, that bonus round obstacle course will be making a resurgence in 2018.

After scanning through the snapshots of its newly-minted set, the reboot series definitely looks poised to whip out some old haunts, reimagined for the modern-day tween's media-consuming pleasure. Think: Double Dare's arguably iconic obstacle course, that slimy oversized nose-picker (quite literally called "Pick It"), and the enormous human-mouth slide that probably stuck you with at least some mild anxiety during your formative years. (That one, for those who need a memory jog, is Down the Hatch.)

At this point, exactly how Double Dare's classic staples will fare on the contemporary Nickelodeon stage is anyone's guess. But if these ultra-sleek snapshots of the refurbished Double Dare set are any indication, it sure looks like contestants are in for their fair share of icky physical trials. Not surprising, since that's basically what the game show is famous for in the first place. Fittingly, the rebooted set looks a lot like the original, except a little shinier and ostensibly a little more high-tech. Which, in the world of Double Dare, probably translates to something along the lines of "a whole lot grosser."

Project RebootMagical Elves to Produce New Season of "Project Runway"
From The Futon Critic

Magical Elves, the production company behind Bravo Media's Emmy Award-winning "Top Chef," has been tapped to return as the producers of Bravo's "Project Runway," it was announced today by Shari Levine, Executive Vice President, Current Production, Bravo.

Magical Elves produced the first five groundbreaking seasons of "Project Runway" on Bravo. Pre-production has already begun and the series will premiere in 2019.

"'Project Runway' has truly come full circle with the Magical Elves on board," said Levine, "Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth have been incredible producing partners with us through the years on multiple fronts. We blazed a trail with the first seasons of 'Project Runway' on Bravo, and now look forward to beginning the next evolution of the franchise with the team that was so instrumental in developing the format."

"We could not be more thrilled to return as the producers of Project Runway," says Dan Cutforth, Co-Founder, Magical Elves, "We built the series from the ground up with Bravo and it is part of the DNA of our company."

"Dan and I have always loved 'Runway' so much and we can't wait to return to it with a renewed creative energy,"says Jane Lipsitz, Co-Founder, Magical Elves, "We are really excited to reflect some of the incredible changes that have happened in the fashion world since we last produced the series."

It was recently announced that "Project Runway," was coming back to its original home on Bravo during the NBCUniversal Upfront on May 14. Bravo launched "Project Runway" in 2004 where it continued airing through 2008, and now returns for Season 17. The show joins Bravo's diverse slate of programming and its expansion of seven nights a week of original series in primetime.

MGM to Bring Back Eco-Challenge?Mark Burnett, Bear Grylls in Talks
From The Wrap

Mark Burnett has enlisted Bear Grylls for a revival of the outdoor adventure series "Eco-Challenge" from MGM Television.

The reality competition series, which first ran for 10 seasons beginning in 1995, featured teams of four racing 24 hours a day over a rugged 300-mile multi-country course using skills including mountaineering, horseback riding, sea kayaking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, camel riding and canyoneering.

Burnett and Grylls' will executive produce the new series, along with Grylls's producing partner Delbert Shoopman and Burnett's adventure production team of Lisa Hennessy, Scott Flavelle and Kevin Hodder.

"The most asked question in my entire career is 'will you ever bring back Eco-Challenge?' and I'd always known we needed the correct authentic figure head to lead us forward effectively," Burnett said in a statement. "Bear Grylls is that leader. He's tough, he's smart and he's extremely capable in both the wilderness and in the boardroom. He's my friend and I couldn't be happier and I'd gladly follow him."

MTV today announced that "The Challenge: Final Reckoning" will premiere on Tuesday, July 10 at 9:00 P.M. ET/PT. "Final Reckoning" marks the conclusion of the series trilogy, which kicked off with "XXX: Dirty 30" followed by "Vendettas."

"The Challenge" franchise is the #1 unscripted cable series on Tuesdays and is a top 10 unscripted property on all of cable (L3).

The newest installation travels players to South Africa to face the consequences of their actions from the past two seasons. All of the recent betrayals, regrets and wrongdoings will rise to the surface as the competitors pair-off for their fiercest vendetta yet. Will they be able to put aside their issues, settle the score and work together to take home the $1 million prize?

SYNDIES: And the Season Goes To....Results for the 2017-2018 Regular Season
From TV Newscheck

Judge Judy, which has been syndication's highest rated show in every May sweep since 2010, to the surprise of no one has once again been the dominant program in the May 2018 sweep (April 26-May 23), the results of which were released today.

Judy was the sweep's most-watched show with more than 9.9 million daily viewers, and one of only two court strips to improve from last year at this time in the national ratings, growing 3% to a stellar 7.1 live-plus-same-day sweep average, its second-strongest May performance since 2014. And Judy's winning margin over the next highest-rated syndicated strip was the widest it's been in eight years.

The runner up to Judy in the sweep was game show leader Family Feud at a 6.2 average.

In the household rating rankings that follow, % change is from the last year's May sweep; * indicates a new season-high rating; ** indicates a new season low; NC indicates no change from last year's May sweep; NA mean not applicable.

And finally, a repeat "The Flash" (0.806 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 0.2, #15) and a new "The 100" (0.943 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.3, #14) rounded out the evening on The CW (0.874 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.3, #5).

USA Network is in advanced negotiations for Temptation Island, a revival of the 2001 Fox reality series, Deadline reports.

Banijay Group CEO Marco Bassetti announced the upcoming U.S. reboot this morning during a keynote at the Reelscreen West 2018 confab without revealing a network. Reps for USA and Banijay declined comment.

The original Temptation Island, based on an European format, was hosted by Mark L. Walberg and ran on Fox for three seasons. It featured four couples who get separated when they arrive at an exotic island location, with the four guys living in one section with a dozen female models, and the four women residing in another section with a dozen attractive men.

The show courted controversy from the start, with one of the original couples removed from the show when the producers learned that the pair had children together.

The first season was a breakout ratings juggernaut for Fox and an instant pop culture phenom but the numbers dropped in Seasons 2 and 3. There are no details about the Temptation Island reboot but one could expect the concept to be updated for the #metoo era.

Guess What's Back on Sunday!Here's Your Season Premiere of Sunday Fun & Games!
From ABC PR

ABC's "Sunday Fun & Games" returns Sunday, June 10 beginning at 8|7c. Celebrity Family Feud, The $100,000 Pyramid and To Tell the Truth are back with new celebrities and fun for the whole family this summer. Steve Harvey, Michael Strahan and Anthony Anderson are back as hosts for each of their respective shows. So let the games begin! Yes, three of America's favorite game shows are back when ABC's "Fun & Games" returns SUNDAY, JUNE 10 (8:00–11:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.

Celebrity Family Feud (8:00 – 9:00 p.m. EDT): Hosted by television personality and best-selling author Steve Harvey, Celebrity Family Feud returns for its fourth season on ABC. A celebrity version of Family Feud, the 10-episode series will feature celebrity families and their immediate family members or their extended TV families, competing against each other to have fun and win money for charity. Celebrity family teams that will be playing for charity this season include the following: Team Kardashian vs. Team West, Steph Curry vs. Chris Paul, Ice T & Coco vs. Vivica A. Fox, Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott vs. Amber Riley, Team Grey's Anatomy vs. Team Station 19, Team NBA on TNT vs. Team MLB All-Stars, and Laurie Hernandez vs. Shawn Johnson, amongst others.

The $100,000 Pyramid (9:00 – 10:00 p.m. EDT): Hosted by Good Morning America co-anchor Michael Strahan, The $100,000 Pyramid is the timeless word association game in which two celebrities and their partners face off in a race against the clock to make it to the winners' circle and take home $100,000.

To Tell the Truth (10:00 – 11:00 p.m. EDT): Hosted by the star of ABC's hit comedy black-ish, Anthony Anderson, To Tell the Truth is a funny re-imagination of the beloved game show that first aired in 1956. This version takes the excitement to another level, featuring fun characters from pop culture. Anderson's mother, Mama Doris, is also part of the fun as a commentator. In each round, the panel is presented with three people who all claim to be the same person with the same incredible talent, job or achievement. One is sworn to tell the truth while the other two use every trick they can to deceive the panel. The panel of celebrities has a chance to grill each participant before taking turns deciding who they think is telling the truth..

And finally, a new "Supergirl" (1.850 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T8), the season premiere of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (1.135 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.3, #12) and a repeat "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (1.278 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.4, #11) on The CW (1.528 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.4, #5) rounded out the night.

Fashion designer Kate Spade -- who started her namesake company in 1993 and grew it into a massive empire including clothes, jewelry, perfume and furniture -- was found dead in her New York City apartment Tuesday morning after apparently taking her own life, police sources said.

The 55-year-old's body was found around 10 a.m. at her Park Avenue apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan by a housekeeper, the sources said.

She apparently hanged herself on her bedroom doorknob using a scarf. A suicide note was left at the scene, but police officials declined to disclose its contents.

"The contents of that note, as well as the physical state of the apartment and the comments of the witness, lend to the credibility that it is an apparent suicide," said Dermot Shea, chief of detectives for the New York City Police Department.

Spade's former company issued a statement saying her death was "incredibly sad news."

"Although Kate has not been affiliated with the brand for more than a decade, she and her husband and creative partner, Andy, were the founders of our beloved brand," the company's statement reads. "Kate will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with Andy and the entire Spade family at this time."

Spade's products have been featured on "The Price Is Right" and "Let's Make a Deal". Spade herself was a guest judge on "Project Runway".

Spade and her husband, the brother of actor and comedian David Spade, have a 13-year-old daughter.

Don't Make Them Angry...Angry Birds to Get a Game Show Adaptation?
From TBI Vision

Big Fish Entertainment is partnering with Rovio Entertainment to bring hit mobile game Angry Birds to TV as a live-action game show.

In Angry Birds Challenge (WT), participants will team up to complete super-sized obstacle courses as quickly as possible to save the most eggs and win.

Combating a variety of surprise hurdles – including the original game's green "bad piggies" – the obstacles are designed to test participants' teamwork as they collect "bird ammo," eliminate guard towers and race to reach "the castle tower" to save as many eggs as possible.

Big Fish president Dan Cesareo and chief creative officer Lucilla D'Agostino serve as executive producers, as well as Jeff Bennett (The Wall) and Joe Lawson, head of content licensing for Rovio.

Syfy has cancelled Face Off, which will air one final season starting June 5. It's called Face Off: Battle Royale, and it's another all-star season, just like season 11.

The show's production is not going away quietly. Host McKenzie Westmore posted this to Instagram:

"It is with a great deal of sadness and disappointment that we report #Syfy has decided #season13 will be the final season of #FaceOff. This show means the world to us at Mission Control, and we appreciate the loyal and passionate support of our viewers more than we can possibly say. Thank you to all of the artists for bravely sharing their talent with the world, the amazing models, McKenzie, Glenn, Ve, Neville, Patrick, Lois, Michael Westmore, Derek, Mary, Peter and everyone else associated with the show. It's been an incredible run. #FaceOff returns June 5th for its final season."

The show's production company, Mission Control Media, has been retweeting #SaveFaceOff posts, and Westmore encourages people to sign a petition to save the series.

ABC announced today that the network has picked up the culinary competition series "Family Food Fight," based on Australia's hit format. Hosted by restaurateur, food maven and NY Times best-selling cookbook author Ayesha Curry, the eight-episode competition series will feature eight families from across the country sharing a common kitchen and a common goal: to claim the title of America's No. 1 Food Family.

Family teams will pull out their best culinary moves in the kitchen, serving up authentic family dishes and drama. Tapping into each family's uniquely diverse cultural heritage, along with their countless culinary influences, "Family Food Fight" will take homestyle cooking to a new level as family recipes rich in tradition and shared over generations are put on display. Rather than five-star restaurant cuisine, the show will focus on relatable, yet aspirational, home-cooked meals, inspiring budding home cooks across the nation to don their aprons and get into the kitchen together. With a mix of fast-paced cooking fun, heaping helpings of good humor and healthy rivalries, everyone will cook their hearts out as they strive to impress a panel of culinary experts including host and judge, Curry. Despite everyone's delectable dishes, only one family will claim the coveted title of America's No. 1 Food Family and take home the $100,000 prize.

An airdate and additional judges to be announced at a later date. For information on how you can appear on the show, visit familyfoodfightcasting.com.

Produced by Endemol Shine North America, "Family Food Fight" was created by Endemol Shine Australia with Nine in Australia and was recently renewed for a second season. Curry, Robert Flutie and Shab Azma are serving as executive producers through Yardie Girl Productions; and DJ Nurre, Georgie Hurford-Jones and Faye Stapleton are serving as executive producers for Endemol Shine North America.

Getty ImagesROBERT MANDAN: 1932-2018"Soap" Star a 70s, 80s Game Show Player
From the Hollywood Reporter

Robert Mandan, the veteran television actor who starred as Chester Tate, the philandering husband of Katherine Helmond's character, on the ABC daytime-serial spoof Soap, has died. He was 86.

Mandan died April 29 in Los Angeles after a long illness, his friend, playwright and screenwriter Gary Goldstein, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Mandan starred in Goldstein's first play, Just Men, at the Stella Adler Theater in Hollywood in 1996.

Mandan, who often played suits and white-collar types during his long career, also portrayed the wealthy investment banker James Bradford at the end of ABC's Three's Company and on its 1984-85 spinoff, Three's a Crowd. Mandan also was the bombastic Col. Lawrence Fielding on the CBS adaptation of Private Benjamin, and his doctor character married Mrs. Garrett (Charlotte Rae) on NBC's The Facts of Life and whisked her away to the Peace Corps.

Mandan had worked on such soap operas as The Edge of Night, From These Roots and Search for Tomorrow when he was hired to play Chester, a conniving Wall Street stock broker, on Soap.

Susan Harris created the sitcom, which aired for four seasons, from 1977-81, and spawned the Robert Guillaume-starring Benson. The show, always a critical darling, was a top 10 hit in its first season but suffered in the ratings as it was moved around the schedule.

Mandan made time to feature in several game shows of the 1970s & 1980s including "Family Feud", "Super Password", "Dance Fever", "Match Game", and "Pyramid".

Grant's Game of GamesGrant Denyer to Host Australian Version
From Starts at 60

Nearly a month after Family Feud was pulled off air, Gold Logie nominee Grant Denyer has bounced back with a shiny new gig with Network Ten.

Denyer will host Game of Games, a family entertainment series based on the US show of the same name. The US version of the show is currently hosted by Ellen DeGeneres and includes a combination of quiz and activity games.

Commenting on his new gig, Denyer said: "Ellen is an idol of mine, so to land this opportunity makes me so excited I'm dizzy!

"It's wildly fun and something completely brand new and different for Australia. I can't wait to step on set and run amuck with this."

Intermedia Labs
The Greatest Two Words in Quizzing This Week? GAME SEVENA Series That Goes the Distance Could Mean Up to $2.1 Million Total Prize Pool on HQ
From CNET

The Rock gave away a record $300,000 on HQ Trivia. But that's peanuts compared to what's coming to the popular game show app next.

To celebrate the NBA Finals -- which kick off tomorrow -- HQ Trivia will give away $100,000 for Game 1, $200,000 for Game 2, $300,000 for Game 3, a record-breaking $400,000 for Game 4, and you guessed it, $500,000 for Game 5, $600,000 for Game 6, and $700,000 for Game 7.

Assuming the series stretches to seven games, that is.

"The games will also have a themed component, with questions about the teams' home cities, general sports trivia and of course, questions about the great game of basketball itself," an HQ Trivia rep tells CNET.

Though HQ Trivia hosts two games each day, you'll only have a stab at the big new prizes during the evening slot.

Tune in at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET each NBA Finals day if you want a chance to win one.

Game show network Buzzr is marking its third birthday by debuting live-streaming capability.

Starting at midnight as May 31 turns into June 1, users can access the retro network through BuzzrPlay.com.

"Buzzr will be the only game show network available via live stream, and we can't wait to allow even more of America to experience the very best in vintage game shows," said Mark Deetjen, general manager of Buzzr. "Buzzr has always reached an extremely broad demographic, but this new streaming option will allow us to reach a younger, more tech-savvy audience, looking for content on the go."

Deetjen told B&C that much of the channel's growth has come from the younger demographic. "They crave content anywhere and everywhere, and whenever it is they want it," he said. Buzzr's MVPD partners have not voiced concerns about the live stream, he said. "Everybody rises together as we get more eyeballs on the channel," said Deetjen.

Game Show Network, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, announced today the premiere of its newest game show, CAROLINE & FRIENDS, hosted by Caroline Rhea ("Sabrina The Teenage Witch"). The new weekday half-hour series debuts Monday, July 16 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

CAROLINE & FRIENDS, is a new comedic, family-friendly series showcasing the most hilarious and adorable videos. As our comedic host guides the audience through each animal, kid and funny video, she'll provide lighthearted conversation and commentary with her two comedic, celebrity friends.

Caroline and her companions then nominate their favorites and ultimately the studio audience picks the 'best in show,' earning the family who submitted the video a special prize.

Friends joining Caroline throughout the season are Louie Anderson, Sherri Shepherd and Marissa Jaret Winokur among others.

CAROLINE & FRIENDS is produced for Game Show Network by FishBowl Worldwide Media. Vin Di Bona and Rob Katz are executive producers for FishBowl Worldwide Media. Edward Boyd also serves as executive producer.

Final Answer? A Casino DealSony, Gaming Realms to Bring "Millionaire" to Casinos
From World Casino News

London-based gaming developer, Gaming Realms, has entered into a licensing deal with Sony Pictures Television. You probably recognize the provider immediately as the creator of several Slingo™ variants, along with a wide range of other bingo and slot games. The brand has signed on for a three-year deal, under which it has already gone live with a new site on its proprietary platform, MillionaireGames.com. The site launched, following the return of the UK's, 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,' in celebration of its 20th anniversary, from which it is loosely inspired.

For those who have not kept up with the series since its inception, the original aired from 1998 to 2014, and has spawned several versions in additional countries across the globe. In addition to the new site, the developer also has plans in the works to go live with an entirely new Slingo variant, complete with 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' branding.

According to Gaming Realms chief executive, Patrick Southton, "We are honoured and excited to be partnering with Sony Pictures Television and developing gaming content around one of television's most successful gameshows, in celebration of its 20th anniversary."

"This opportunity is proof of our ability to build creative and innovative content and we look forward to the launch of the new Slingo Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Format in the coming months," Southton added. The partnership serves as a major move for the gaming developer, with Sony considered one of the industry's leading content providers, delivering to multiple genres across the globe.

It's a show with Wink Martindale! It's a show based off a highly-popular board game! It's a show where you can win...about 2000 dollars. It's a show...with a boring set-up on a third-tier cable network. Uh...yeah. Chris Wolvie presents a "Games Gone By..." of the Family Channel's original game show BEFORE it went between Fox and ABC: "Trivial Pursuit".

Royal wedding news ignited the syndicated magazines in the session ending May 20, with all of the top five celebrating ratings spikes.

In the household rating rankings that follow, % change is from the previous week; * indicates a new season-high rating; ** indicates a new season low; NC indicates no change from the previous week; NA mean not applicable.

Another Joker Goes WildPortugal Gets Version of "Joker"... Not That One
From World Screen

Global Agency has licensed the quiz show Joker for a local version to launch on Portuguese pubcaster RTP.

Valentim de Carvalho is producing, with a commitment for 200 episodes. The show will begin airing on RTP in September this year. It will be hosted by Vasco Palmeirim, a well-known TV presenter in the region.

In the format, a contestant will be given 10 questions to answer and 7 Jokers to help them. The first rule is no quitting. All 10 questions must be answered. For every correct answer, the contestants will go up one step on the money tree. Jokers can be used to eliminate wrong answers from the multiple choices offered.

Izzet Pinto, founder and CEO of Globl Agency, said: "We are incredibly grateful to be announcing this prestigious new sale for Joker, one of our most entertaining and challenging quiz shows. 200 episodes commitment of this deal already proves the strength of the format. Both RTP and Valentim de Carvalho are the best partners for launching the show in Portugal that we couldn't ask for more. I am sure they will deliver an outstanding performance on the show together and we're looking forward to seeing it."

NBC (4.840 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.6, #1) landed in the top spot on Monday thanks to its coverage of the "Stanley Cup Finals, Game 1" (4.840 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.6, #1).

ABC (4.613 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.1, #2) then had to settle for the silver with the return of "The Bachelorette" (5.554 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.4, #2) and a new "The Crossing" (2.732 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T4).

And finally, a new "Supergirl" (1.563 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.4, #T8) and the season finale of "iZombie" (0.760 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.2, #11) rounded out the evening on The CW (1.161 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.3, #5).

NewshubCORNELIA FRANCES: 1941-2018Speechwriter, Presidential Advisor Played Special Counsel During Game Show Scandals
From the Hollywood Reporter

Cornelia Frances, whose sharp-tongued villainous characters on Australian TV made her a household and international name, has died. She was 77.

Frances died Monday night in Sydney after a battle with bladder cancer, her son Lawrence Eastland told the ABC. She was surrounded by family and friends.

Earlier in the week, Eastland had posted an Instagram photo of his mother resting. "She is so peaceful, soft and serene. I truly love this woman," he wrote.

From the late 1970s, Frances was a mainstay on Australian television. With her strong features and presence, she gained immediate recognition as Sister Grace Scott on the soap The Young Doctors, set at the fictional Albert Memorial Hospital. "She could get cranky, but she got people better because she was very stern and she knew exactly what she was doing, and she ran her staff with a rod of iron. People pulled through," Frances said of her character at a 2007 reunion of the show's cast.

The location was actually a real hospital that Frances found herself in 40 years later, as a patient receiving cancer treatment.

In the early '80s, she starred in the family drama Sons and Daughters as Barbara Armstrong, later marrying Brian Blain's character Gordon.

Younger audiences immediately recognize her as the villainous Morag Bellingham, the sister of mainstay Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) on the long-running and globally watched soap Home and Away, a role she played on and off for 29 years. "I've been very lucky and I really thank all the producers who hired me, because it ain't easy to put a bitch on television," she told Channel 9 earlier this year about the role of Morag.

In 2001, Frances' star in Australia rose even further after she was perfectly cast as the strict, no-nonsense, acerbic host of the Australian version of The Weakest Link game show.

Off-screen she was unlike her television persona, yet the public was often unable to reconcile the two. "[The public] defy me to smile; they don't think I can. They still run away in supermarkets when they see me coming," she told Channel 9.

Frances was born in Lancashire, England, on April 7 1941. Her initial screen appearances were bit-part roles in British films, most notably a few speaking lines in her uncle Michael Powell's thriller Peeping Tom (1960) and his military drama The Queen's Guards (1961). Subsequent movie roles included the film version of the adult-themed series The Box (1975), the Aussie drama The Man From Snowy River II (1988) and the children's series Magic Mountain (1997–98). She was a longtime ambassador for The Orangutan Project, whose key mission includes protecting endangered wild orangutan species..

Good Day for CBS Day... TimeTPIR, LMAD Post Gains
From Soap Opera Network

CBS Daytime has cause for celebration: the full lineup consisting of soaps "The Bold and the Beautiful" and "The Young and the Restless," game shows "Let's Make a Deal" and "The Price is Right," and "The Talk" are all up from their recent performances, hitting some of their best numbers during the all important May Sweeps ratings period.

For the week of May 14-18, 2018, "The Young and the Restless" attracted 4.17 million viewers, a 1.2 rating in Women 25-54 and a 0.7 rating in Women 18-49, both of which were the soap's best performance in those demos since the week of April 23-27, 2018. "The Bold and the Beautiful" attracted 3.4 million viewers, a 1.0 rating in Women 25-54 and a 0.6 rating in Women 18-49. The soap brought in its highest numbers in those measures since the week of April 16-20, 2018.

Outside of soaps, "The Price is Right" part 1 attracted its largest audience since the week ending April 27 with 4.29 million viewers. "Price" part 2, the higher rated of the two half hours, hit its biggest numbers since the week ending April 20, with 4.84 million viewers tuning in each day. "The Price is Right" part 2 remained the most-watched daily broadcast series for the week.

Delivering 2.36 million viewers for the week, "The Talk" hit its best mark in Women 25-54 with a 0.7 rating since the week ending April 20.

"Let's Make a Deal" part 1 brought in 2.81 million daily viewers – the show's largest audience since the week of April 30-May 4, 2018. "Let's Make a Deal" part 2, the higher rated of the two half hours, was watched by 3.22 million viewers. This was the game show's best number since the week ending April 27. The show hit its best Women 18-49 rating since the week of April 2-6, 2018 with a 0.6 rating..

Armoza Formats' interactive game show Who's Asking? has been commissioned in Greece by Epsilon TV, which ordered 100 episodes.

The local adaptation of the studio-based show will be hosted by actress Katerina Zarifi. The format was originally developed by United Studios of Israel.

In the series, instead of picking the type of questions to be asked, two pairs of contestants must select an "asker" from the faces on the screen in front of them. Whether it's the bus driver, a doctor or a streetwise grandma, each has a question for the contestants.

Ed Hall, general manager of Epsilon TV, said: "The new shape of Epsilon TV is emerging as the team finalized a deal with international format company Armoza Formats for the game show Who's Asking? This is a brand-new format for Greece, already a successful show in other markets, and I look forward to seeing our exciting new version of this show launching here.".

Nickelodeon/Hollywood Reporter Meet Liza Koshy: The New Sultaness of SlimeCatch Her, Marc Summers on "Double Dare" June 25!
From Den of Geek!

NNickelodeon has tapped a host to help reboot Double Dare for a new generation. The network announced on Tuesday that Liza Koshy, best known for her YouTube videos and Instagram presence, will take over hosting duties.

Koshy will get some help from a familiar face: Marc Summers, who hosted Double Dare from 1986-1993, will return as a color commentator.

The broadcast team will preside over the new episodes of Double Dare, which are set premiere on Monday, June 25th at 8:00 p.m. ET on Nickelodeon.

The revival takes on the classic Double Dare format with two teams answering trivia questions, bracing slimy stunts, and taking on the obstacle course, which includes the boogery Double Dare nose.

In a statement, Koshy said: "This is a dream that I have been dreaming to live! From watching Double Dare to hosting it!? I am ready for a summer of slime and nose picking."

Fans will get a chance to live their Double Dare dream this summer as well. The network is bringing the show out of the studio and into the wild at VidCon in Anaheim, Calif. and at Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America in Minneapolis for fans to watch and participate in person.

ABC (4.916 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 0.9, #1) got a boost on Thursday thanks to its two-hour special "The Last Days of Michael Jackson" (5.562 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T2) followed by a new "What Would You Do?" (3.624 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T4).

Mega Jackpot for a Mega SeasonA Preview for Ninja Warrior 10 Includes a New MEGA Warped Wall
From TV Line

NBC's American Ninja Warrior is "spicing things up" for Season 10, with a pair of new twists that are detailed in this first look video.

Premiering Wednesday, May 30 at 8/7c (where it will lead into the Sarah Shahi-led thriller Reverie), ANW this season will confront competitors at the finish line with not just the Warped Wall but also an 18-foot Mega Warped Wall. Choose and conquer the taller of the two and you pocket $10,000, instantly. (Aye, but here's the rub: If you go Mega and fall short, you only get one more try, not two, at either of the warped walls.)

Also new for Season 10 is a very $pecial $omething for the athlete who makes it the furthest in Vegas — in addition to the customary million-dollar payday awaiting atop Mount Midoriyama.k

FOX (4.601 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.4, #1) closed the May sweeps period on top with the season finales of "Empire" (5.220 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.6, #1) and "Star" (3.982 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.2, #4).

Award-winning global media production and distribution company marblemedia is thrilled to announce that Just Like Mom and Dad has been officially greenlit by YES TV in Canada and BYUtv in the US for the production of 22 new episodes slated to launch in Fall 2018.

The first 20 episodes of the series still continues to rollout, and since the launch in January 2018 Just Like Mom and Dad has become North America's new favourite family game show, and is the highest rated family game show in Canada!

Just Like Mom and Dad is a hilarious and fun-filled game show that celebrates and rewards families for how well they know each other. Each episode features three teams of parent-kid pairs that are all trying to accumulate the most points after three rounds of family fun.

New episodes will feature more amusing questions and questionable baking, older kids between 8 and 15, more spectacular prizes and even crazier Bake Off recipes. marblemedia is currently seeking fun, energetic families to compete on new episodes, and interested parent-kid pairs can visit www.JustLikeMomandDad.com to apply.

"We've had tremendous support from YES TV and BYUtv and are thrilled that we will have 22 new episodes to continue to build on our success," says Mark Bishop, Co-CEO of marblemedia. "We cannot wait to serve up more family fun - and lots of surprises - to Just Like Mom and Dad's growing North American fan base."

"Creating moments of togetherness and family fun are at the core of YES TV's values." says Lorna Dueck, CEO of YES TV®. "Just Like Mom and Dad nestles in to our schedule perfectly, bringing a joyful mix of laughter, fun and family values to our stations. We could not be more excited to share new episodes with our viewers, on YES TV® this fall."

"BYUtv is excited to be working with marblemedia's remarkable team on a second season of Just Like Mom & Dad," says Michael Dunn, Managing Director, BYutv. "The first season has been a big hit in the U.S., and we have some ideas for season two that will be very exciting for our viewers. This show is a treasure throughout Canada, and we are thrilled to be part of the effort to make it available to families across the United States."

To accompany the launch of the new block of episodes, the mobile Just Like Mom and Dad game (iOS, Android), created by marblemedia, will also see new updates to build upon its current success. New updates include the introduction of an 'in-game announcement system' which alerts players of poignant game and brand information, a new block of challenges and additional prizes for winners. .

June Wedding... CakesCatch It on Food Network June 25
From the Futon Critic

Food Network rings the wedding bells on Monday, June 25th with a primetime lineup celebrating the season with a lush stack of wedding cake-themed episodes along with exciting new hosts and a bevy of special guests. The all-new competition series, Wedding Cake Championship, premieres at 9pm ET/ PT, hosted by the dynamic Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, and features six teams of elite wedding cake makers vying for the grand prize and Wedding Cake Champion title. Judging the action are baking extraordinaire Kimberly Bailey, Chopped's Maneet Chauhan, and celebrity wedding planner David Tutera, who are joined on the premiere by special guest Randy Fenoli, host of TLC's Say Yes to the Dress. Before the bakers get baking, don't miss the all-new special Wedding Cake Countdown with Drew and Linda premiering at 8:30pm ET/PT featuring Drew Scott, of HGTV's Property Brothers, and Linda Phan as they hunt for the wedding cake of their dreams.

"Wedding season is in full swing this time of year and Food Network is the perfect place to spotlight all the wedding cakes and cake makers baking dreams come true with their incredible creations,' said Courtney White, Executive Vice President, Programming, Food Network and HGTV. "With Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir at the helm of Wedding Cake Championship adding flavor, fun and flair to the competition, and Drew Scott and Linda Phan giving us a firsthand look at their wedding cake pursuit, viewers will be in love at first sight with all the incredible wedding cake designs on Food Network's night of cake."

Wedding Cake Championship, hosted by Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski, gives six baking duos a chance to show off their skills as they whisk through two rounds of challenges. First, they must tackle wedding cake toppers, where one team will earn a special advantage in the next round when the bakers must design a personalized wedding cake for a real-life couple!Special guest Randy Fenoli helps set up the first challenge in the premiere on Sunday, June 25th at 9pm ET/PT and judges Kimberly Bailey, Maneet Chauhan and David Tutera determine which teams move on and which will be eliminated from the competition. The action continues week to week, all leading up to the grand finale, when the pressure is on for the three remaining teams as they are challenged to create the most over-the-top, impressive cake for Tara Lipinski and husband Todd Kapostasy for their first wedding anniversary. The team on top will win a $25,000 grand prize and the title of Wedding Cake Champion! Catch competition highlights, meet the competitors, and exclusive videos of the hosts and judges decorating their own cakes at Foodnetwork.com/WeddingCakeChampionship, and weigh in on your favorites using #WeddingCakeChampionship.

TUESDAY: This Is the Finale!"The Voice" Fuels an NBC Win
From the Futon Critic

NBC (7.831 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.4, #1) pulled in front on Tuesday with its "The Voice Recap" (6.078 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.1, #6) and the season finale of "The Voice" (8.707 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.5, #4).

ABC (5.575 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.3, #2) then was a close second with the respective finales to "Roseanne" (10.330 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.4, #1), part one of "The Middle" (7.558 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.8, #2), part two of "The Middle" (6.599 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.6, #3), "Splitting Up Together" (4.058 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.0, #7) and "For the People" (2.452 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T10).

Next up was CBS (7.559 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.8, #3) with the season finale of "NCIS" (11.795 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.2, #5) followed by a repeat "NCIS" (6.693 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.7, #9) and the return of "48 Hours: NCIS" (4.190 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T10).

And finally, The CW (1.540 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T4) rounded out the night with the season finale of "The Flash" (2.118 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.8, #8) plus a new "The 100" (0.963 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.3, #13).

CBS Eye on the SummerBig Brother, TKO Get Release Dates
From The Futon Critic

CBS today announced premiere dates for its summer schedule, including the obstacle course challenge TKO: TOTAL KNOCK OUT hosted by global superstar Kevin Hart; the 20th season of perennial summer favorite BIG BROTHER; and the return of thriller SALVATION.

BIG BROTHER, hosted by Julie Chen and celebrating its 20th season, will once again have three weekly episodes. The hit reality series debuts with a special two-hour premiere on Wednesday, June 27 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT), followed by the Thursday episode on June 28 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) and the Sunday broadcast on July 1 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT). On Wednesday, July 4, the show moves to 9:00 PM for the remainder of its Wednesday run. Last summer, all three editions of BIG BROTHER ranked in the summer's top 10 in viewers and all key demos.

Beginning Wednesday, July 11 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), CBS will present a remarkable new obstacle course challenge hosted by Kevin Hart, TKO: TOTAL KNOCK OUT from executive producer Mark Burnett. The game features one player racing through daunting obstacles while the other contestants are determined to knock them off course with huge projectiles.

Judge Judy opened up a commanding lead over all syndicated shows at the mid-point of the May sweep and appeared to light a fire under most of the other court shows in the session ending May 13.

Elsewhere, rookie leader Daily Mail TV faded 10% to 0.9, matching its season low in households, while top game show Family Feud fell 2% to a 6.2.

In the household rating rankings that follow, % change is from the previous week; * indicates a new season-high rating; ** indicates a new season low; NC indicates no change from the previous week; NA mean not applicable.

More on "The Great British Baking Show"New-To-US Season to Air June 22
From Broadway World

THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW,the delectable baking competition that has grown into a beloved international phenomenon, returns for a fifth season this summer, premiering Fridays at 9:00 pm beginning June 22 (check local listings) on PBS.

Featuring the original cast of Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, this season has never before been seen in the U.S.

Once again, viewers will meet twelve of Britain's best amateur bakers who will don their aprons, enter the iconic tent and tackle culinary trials that increase in difficulty as the competition unfolds. Vying to be crowned star baker, challengers prepare three creations in each episode: a signature bake, which tests their creative flair and baking ability; the devilishly difficult technical challenge, in which contestants have to bake creations using only ingredient lists and minimal instruction; and finally the showstopper, designed to fully showcase each baker's skill and creativity.

Contestants face the demanding but endearing judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, two icons of British baking who are now household names in America. Comedy duo Sue Perkinsand Mel Giedroyc are the series hosts, providing the bakers with much-needed emotional support and comic relief. Offering viewers the perfect sweet summer escape, Season 5 features unforgettable contestants attempting some of the series most difficult challenges, from bagels to strudel, treacle tarts to choux gateaus.

Season 5 will be available to stream the morning after broadcast on PBS.org. It will also be available on PBS station-branded digital platforms such as ROKU, Apple TV and Google Chromecast, as well as on PBS iPad and iPhone apps. All four previous seasons of THEGREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW are available via Passport, a benefit for local PBS station donors, offering extended access to a rich library of public television programming (contact your local PBS station for details). All ten episodes will also be available for binge-viewing on Passport on premiere night, June 22. Throughout the season, fans can visit PBS Food to learn more about the contestants and get exclusive content from the program.

More on "MasterChef"Get Ready for Judge vs. Judge!
From The Futon Critic

In a MASTERCHEF kitchen first, the judges will do battle when Season Nine of MASTERCHEF premieres Wednesday, May 30 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. For the first time ever, the judges - host and award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay, acclaimed chef Aarón Sánchez and renowned restaurateur Joe Bastianich - will choose their favorite home cooks and mentor them throughout the competition.

Another all-new two-hour episode of MASTERCHEF airs Wednesday, June 6 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Then, the series makes its time period premiere on Wednesday, June 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), followed by the series premiere of GORDON RAMSAY'S 24 HOURS TO HELL AND BACK (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

In the season premiere, the nation's best home cooks travel to Los Angeles to compete for a spot in the Top 24. That's when the twist kicks in: the judges each will have eight aprons to hand out to the home cooks whom they deem worthy - and they will then mentor those contestants throughout the competition. However, as in all prior seasons, only one home cook will claim the MASTERCHEF title and the $250,000 grand prize.

On Friday... FOX (3.271 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.8, #1) took home the demo crown on Friday thanks to a new "MasterChef Junior" (2.984 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T3) followed by the season finale of "MasterChef Junior" (3.559 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.9, #1).

NBC (4.186 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.7, #2) then was a close second with the season finale of "Blindspot" (3.290 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T5) plus a two-hour "Dateline NBC" (4.635 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.8, #2).

Next up was CBS (5.614 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 0.6, #3) with its mix of a new "Undercover Boss" (4.638 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T5), the season finale of "Hawaii Five-0" (6.578 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T3) and a repeat "Blue Bloods" (5.626 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T7).

Meanwhile, ABC (2.275 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.5, #4) offered up the series finale of "Once Upon a Time" (2.322 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T7), the season closer to "Marvel's Agents of SHIELD" (1.858 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T7) and a new "20/20" (2.644 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T7).

And finally, the special "Harry and Meghan: A Love Story" (1.652 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.3, #11) and a new "Life Sentence" (0.978 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.2, #12) rounded out the night on The CW (1.315 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.3, #5).

"Games" Without FrontiersTen to Replace Feud with Local "Game of Games"
From Mediaweek

Network Ten has commissioned a new family entertainment series, Game Of Games, which will premiere on TEN and WIN Network later this year.

Game Of Games was a success when it launched in the US in January this year, attracting a weekly audience of more than eight million and ranking #1 in its timeslot in people 18 to 49.

The US series is produced by Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television in association with Telepictures and A Very Good Production, which is owned by Ellen DeGeneres, who is the host and executive producer of the show in the US.

DeGeneres said: "I'm thrilled that Game Of Games is making its way to Australia on TEN. "And I'm already thinking of ways to make it better. For instance, in the US we drop contestants into vats of mashed potatoes, but in Australia it's gonna be 100% Vegemite."

Each hour-long episode of Game Of Games includes supersized versions of the most popular and action-packed games from the award-winning daytime talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Contestants are pulled direct from the audience and have to manoeuvre massive obstacles, answer questions under crushing time pressure and face gigantic plunges into the unknown – all in a quest to win a big cash prize.

Network Ten chief content officer Beverley McGarvey said: "Game Of Games is a big new show that is light, fun and engaging. It's a blast of great family entertainment that is perfect for the back half of the year.

WikipediaRICHARD N. GOODWIN: 1931-2018Speechwriter, Presidential Advisor Played Special Counsel During Game Show Scandals
From NPR

Speechwriter Richard Goodwin, a driving force in American politics during times of upheaval in the 1960s and the husband of presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, has died at age 86.

Goodwin was a key aide and speechwriter for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, crafting messages about civil rights and equality and challenging America to live up to its ideals.

Goodwin died of cancer, the Associated Press reports, citing a statement from his wife. Doris Kearns Goodwin says her husband died on Sunday at their home in Concord, Mass.

"Dick Goodwin led an extraordinary life," former President Barack Obama said on Monday. "He was a clerk on the Supreme Court, a Congressional aide who helped lay bare a national scandal, a speechwriter to President Kennedy – and that was all before his thirtieth birthday." Obama added, "Michelle and I will always be grateful for our friendship with Dick and his wife Doris, and we offer our most sincere condolences to her, their children, and their grandchildren."

Goodwin's first brush with the national spotlight came in the 1950s, when he helped the Legislative Oversight Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives that investigated a scam behind a quiz program called Twenty One. That incident became the genesis for the 1994 movie Quiz Show — which Goodwin produced and which was also criticized at the time for overstating his role in breaking news about the rigged show.

CBS (6.137 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.0, #2) then had to settle for second place with repeats of "The Big Bang Theory" (7.127 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T3) and "Young Sheldon" (7.049 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.1, #2) followed by a new "Life in Pieces" (5.585 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T3) and the season finales of "Life in Pieces" (4.943 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 0.9, #7) and "SWAT" (6.059 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T3).

CWUPFRONTS: The CWFor Sake of Completeness... CW Adding Sundays
From the Futon Critic

The CW Network presents its 2018-19 primetime schedule to advertisers, affiliates, and press today, at the New York City Center in New York City, with the platinum-selling American rock band 30 Seconds to Mars opening the show with a performance of their new hit songs "Rescue Me" and "Walk on Water." Expanding to a six-night, Sunday-Friday schedule this fall, The CW will have 12 hours of original scripted series across the week in primetime this fall, more than ABC, NBC or Fox.

Meanwhile, NBC (4.712 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.8, #4) offered up the season finale of "The Blacklist" (5.129 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.7, #11), a new "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (5.277 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.0, #7) and the special "Inside the Royal Wedding: Harry and Meghan" (3.729 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T12).

And finally, The CW (1.053 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.4, #5) closed out the evening with the season finale of "Riverdale" (1.294 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.4, #14) plus a new "The Originals" (0.813 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 0.3, #15).

The Amazing Race and Celebrity Big Brother won't debut as part of CBS' Fall 2018 schedule, but will air later in the TV season.

CBS unveiled its Fall 2018 schedule on Wednesday and Season 31 of The Amazing Race and Season 2 of Celebrity Big Brother were not part of the broadcast lineup, with the network announcing both shows will air later in the 2018-2019 television season.

The news isn't unexpected given the most recent 2017-2018 season of The Amazing Race didn't premiere until January 2018 and Celebrity Big Brother's debut season aired in February.

CBS's other big reality competition series, Survivor, however, will air this fall in its usual time period of Wednesday nights at 8PM ET/PT on CBS.

NATAS America Loves John Michael HigginsCatch "America Says" on GSN June 18
From the Futon Critic

Game Show Network, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, has added actor John Michael Higgins ("Great News," "Pitch Perfect") as host of its new survey-matching game show, AMERICA SAYS. The new half-hour series will premiere June 18 at 5 pm ET and will air Monday through Friday.

AMERICA SAYS is a fast-paced studio game show where two teams of friends and family face off to guess America's responses with fill in the blanks to survey questions covering every topic under the sun. They'll have to be quick when trying to think of what America says, as time is always ticking and the team with the most money banked after three rounds will head to a bonus round to see if they can guess even more survey responses to win up to $15,000.

Recognized for his iconic roles in films like "Pitch Perfect," "The Break-Up" and "Best In Show", Higgins is also known for providing voices for characters in popular animated series "Bob's Burgers" and Nickelodeon's "The Legend of Korra."

AMERICA SAYS is based on a format by Keller/Noll. John Quinn serves as executive producer. Tara Long and Mark Herwick of Entertainment One (eOne) and Dave Noll and Cleve Keller of Keller/Noll serve as executive producers.

Newcomer Page Six TV made news after having tried out new hosts for seven weeks when it went without any official host in the session ending May, 6 and allowed its regular talent to carry the show. The result was a double-digit increase in both ratings and demographics in the otherwise quiet frame that included the first full week of the May sweep.

In the household rating rankings that follow, % change is from the previous week; * indicates a new season-high rating; ** indicates a new season low; NC indicates no change from the previous week; NA mean not applicable.

Channel 5 acquired the rights of the primetime game show, previously titled Win Your Wish List, which features contestants asking each other questions while a giant digital timer on the studio floor tracks their progress. The 7 x 60-minute entertainment series, airing this summer on C5, will supersize that format with more players and physical rounds.

In Gino's Win Your Wish List, five members of a family compete to win their perfect prize, bringing in their own sofa from home.

And to answer the titular question, America's most watched network this season is.... (Broadway World)

posted 5/16/18

ABC UPFRONTS: ABC"DWTS: Juniors" Joins Returning Games
From TV Line

Upfronts Week 2018 is underway, and ABC is the third broadcast-TV network (following NBC and Fox) to announce its schedule for the fall TV season.

♦ ABC will have new episodes of Roseanne ready for fall (vs. holding the sitcom for midseason again).
♦ With The Good Doctor holding tight onto Castle's old time slot, Nathan Fillion's The Rookie has copped the quasi-cursed Tuesday-at-10 perch.
♦ The previously announced Dancing With the Stars: Juniors spinoff will keep American Idol's Sunday time slot warm until the singing competition returns at midseason. ABC's all-reality Sunday lineup will conclude with The Alec Bladwin Show (the talker previewed last March following the Oscars). Shark Tank is also returning, as is the mothership series.
♦ Possibly in an effort to blunt the impact of Last Man Standing's arrival on Fox, ABC is moving Fresh Off the Boat and Speechless to Fridays. The last time ABC led off Friday with a comedy was the 2016-17 season with… Last Man Standing.
♦ Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which scored an 11th-hour, shortened-season renewal, is being held until Summer 2019.

NBC/EndemolShine North AmericaMore on "Deal or No Deal"Production Begins in Orlando
From the Futon Critic

CNBC today announced the network's all-new "Deal or No Deal" with original host Howie Mandel will be taped at Universal Orlando Resort.

CNBC's "Deal or No Deal" will consist of 30 original one-hour episodes and will join the network's primetime lineup in fourth quarter 2018.

Guests of Universal Orlando Resort -- the family vacation destination with three theme parks, six on-site hotels and a nighttime dining and entertainment complex all within walking distance of each other - will have the opportunity to be part of the studio audience and experience the high energy and excitement of the high stakes game show.

ABC (6.330 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T2) then was the number two draw with new episodes of "Dancing with the Stars" (7.643 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T2) and "The Crossing" (3.705 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T11).

Next up was FOX (3.741 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T2) with the departing "Lucifer" (3.234 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T7) and the season finale of "The Resident" (4.249 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T4).

Fox shared its fall schedule in advance of its upfront presentation May 14. Fox welcomes Thursday Night Football to its lineup in the fall.

The Resident and 9-1-1 share Mondays.

Tuesdays offer The Gifted and Lethal Weapon, now with Seann William Scott in the cast.

Wednesdays have Empire and Star.

Thursdays feature Thursday Night Football and the pre-game show.

Fridays are Last Man Standing, new comedy The Cool Kids, about a group in a retirement community who are willing to break every rule, and Hell's Kitchen. The Cool Kids cast includes Martin Mull, David Alan Grier and Vicki Lawrence.

Saturdays show college football.

Sundays offer NFL on Fox, The OT, The Simpsons, Bob's Burgers, Family Guy and new comedy Rel, based on the life of Lil Rel Howery. He plays a loving husband who finds his wife is having an affair.

"This year, we launched four of the Top 10 new shows on broadcast, which led to a very strong roster of young series returning for their sophomore seasons," said Gary Newman and Dana Walden, chairmen and CEOs of Fox Television Group. "That gives us tremendous momentum heading into the fall. With our increased investment in football, we're going to use the powerful platform of the NFL to launch our new comedies. We'll then take some big swings with dramas at midseason, which is a proven strategy for Fox."

NBC UPFRONTS: Winter's "Got Talent" and More from NBCTwo New Reality Series Join Returning Favorites
From TV Line

NBC is aiming to use its summertime hit to warm up the winter, by expanding the America's Got Talent franchise with a first-ever all-stars edition.

The Peacock network has greenlit America's Got Talent: The Champions, which will not only bring back fan favorites from past seasons of AGT, but include popular acts from other global editions of the franchise, all of whom will compete against one another.

It is set to premiere during the winter of 2018-19.

"I have always wanted to have a competition show for the very best of the best Got Talent acts from around the world," series creator Simon Cowell said in a statement. "The variety and the talents of the acts who enter Got Talent globally are incredible and unbelievable. Since America's Got Talent was where it all started, I'm absolutely delighted to be launching this on NBC."

Paul Telegdy, NBC Entertainment's reality-TV chief, added, "Bringing the best Got Talent competitors together for this winter edition will have these favorites elevating their acts to awe and inspire audiences like never before."

AGT: Original Flavor returns for its 13th season on Tuesday, May 29 at 8/7c.

Following a triumphant 2017-18 season with an outstanding 38% 18-49 lead and a win in entertainment programming (even when Olympics and Super Bowl are factored out), NBC unveils a new year-round lineup that adds fresh voices, top talent and superb storytellers to an already thriving roster. The new schedule, which will add five first-year dramas and two new comedies (and one transplant) over the course of the 2018-19 season, features a robust fall lineup that paves the way for a blockbuster midseason roster anchored by powerhouse alternative franchises.

Emmy-winning "The Voice" will return to its Monday-Tuesday rotation in the fall.

"Once again, we are coming into the season from a place of strength and stability, which makes us bullish about a scheduling strategy that delivers top-notch original programming not just in the fall, but year round," said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. "We have a very strong fall schedule, as always, but winter, spring and summer are every bit as important to us, and this year we're putting our talent and our money where our mouth is. This schedule builds on the type of programming that makes NBC #1 year after year: bold, humanistic, compelling dramas; an unmatched collection of the highest-quality unscripted shows for the entire family; and one of the strongest comedy lineups on television that is unique to the legacy of the NBC brand."

"I continue to be proud of the pedigree of talent on both sides of the camera, from global superstars and producers like Dwayne Johnson, Jennifer Lopez and Simon Cowell, to comedy legends like Amy Poehler and the cast of 'Will & Grace' and the many others who call NBC their home," continued Greenblatt.

Joining "America's Got Talent: The Champions" at midseason: bona fide new hit "Ellen's Game of Games" will make midseason Tuesdays at 8 P.M. just as strong. Furthermore "The Titan Games" - a high-octane competition series from Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and producers of "American Ninja Warrior" that offers everyday people a chance to achieve the impossible - blasts onto Wednesdays for a limited run at 8 P.M. this winter.

Discovery/USA Today"Cash Cab" Back on the Road for the SummerCatch Season 2 of the Reboot (Season 11 Total) on Discovery
From AM New York

New Yorkers once again have the chance to end their commutes a little bit richer with the return of the Discovery competition series "Cash Cab."

The Ben Bailey-hosted game show will return this July, the network announced Monday.

"Cash Cab" was rebooted by Discovery last summer after five years off the air.

The revived 11th season featured the same premise — New Yorkers and tourists are offered the chance to win big bucks by correctly answering trivia questions — with a few new twists, like allowing stumped passengers to reach out for help through a text or tweet.

Last season also featured a few celebrity passengers, including "Friends" star Matthew Perry and Brooke Shields. Discovery has not yet announced the return of surprise guests, though.

FremantleMedia North America/ABCGet Your BLANK! On This Summer!More on ABC's Summer Offerings
From the Futon Critic

Ten eligible women selected by a blue-ribbon panel of matchmakers vie for a chance at love with mystery suitor Mike, a police officer from Bakersfield, California, in search of his soul mate. By the end of the night, Mike will propose to one of two remaining women. Then, the newly acquainted couple will trust fate and exit the stage possibly engaged to be married, on the series premiere of "The Proposal," MONDAY, JUNE 18 (10:01-11:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.

Hosted by former NFL quarterback and Season 5 Bachelor Jesse Palmer, each episode will feature 10 eligible daters competing in four pageant-style rounds to win the heart of a mystery man or woman whose identity is concealed from them. The male or female daters will attempt to woo the mystery suitor with their words in a first impressions round; bare their souls in a beachwear round; answer the mystery suitor's most pressing romantic questions; and strive to receive a seal of approval from the mystery suitor's most trusted family member in the final round. After each phase, the daters who fail to connect with the mystery suitor are whittled down, leading to the dramatic and highly anticipated reveal, when the two remaining daters finally meet the mystery suitor for the first time, just in time for a romantic proposal.

"The Proposal" is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television. Mike Fleiss, Martin Hilton, James Breen and Jason Ehrlich serve as executive producers.

Meanwhile, ABC brings back the shag carpet and the skinny microphone for some summertime "Match Game" BLANK!, as Season 3 continues on THURSDAY, JUNE 21 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT).

"Match Game" will once again be hosted by Emmy(R)- and Golden Globe(R) Award-winning actor Alec Baldwin and is produced by FremantleMedia North America (FMNA).

The hilarious panel game features two contestants as they attempt to match the answers of six celebrities in a game of fill-in-the-missing-blank. Baldwin received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Host in 2017.

Magical ElvesApparently You CAN Go Home AgainProject Runway Returns to Bravo for Season 17
From TV Line

Project Runway is going home.

The hit reality-TV competition series is returning to its original basic cable stomping ground, Bravo. The move was first announced by network ringleader Andy Cohen at NBC Universal's Upfronts presentation on Monday.

Runway first premiered on Bravo back in 2004 and aired there for five seasons before relocating to Lifetime, where it recently concluded its 16th season. There, it spawned a number of spinoffs, including Project Runway: Junior and Project Runway All-Stars.

"Project Runway" returns to Bravo through an agreement between Bravo Media LLC and Lantern Entertainment LLC, whose bid to acquire the assets of The Weinstein Company (which includes "Project Runway"), was approved by the Delaware bankruptcy court on May 8. The deal is subject to Lantern closing that acquisition.

"As we anticipate formally completing the acquisition process, the opportunity to return 'Project Runway' to its original home at Bravo and foster a long-term and productive partnership with NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment is an exciting first step for Lantern Entertainment," said Co-Presidents Andy Mitchell and Milos Brajovic. "We share Bravo's enthusiasm to reinvigorate the series and are incredibly grateful for everyone who has had a hand in making 'Project Runway' the flagship franchise that it is today."

In addition, Bravo and Lantern have agreed to develop other unscripted projects for Bravo and other networks in the NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment portfolio.

CBS has not specified whether Celebrity Big Brother's second edition will air during the regular 2018-2019 season, however, it's likely the series will have another winter run.

The show's first installment premiered in January 2018 and aired for about six weeks as counter-programming to the Winter Olympics on NBC. The finale aired on February 25. Actress Marissa Jaret Winokur was crowned champion of the first season of Celebrity Big Brother in America, as she defeated entertainment reporter Ross Mathews for the $250,000 grand prize. (Ross received $50,000 for finishing in second place).

Ross was also named "America's Favorite Houseguest" over actress Shannon Elizabeth and Big Time Rush singer James Maslow.

"The Voice" Gets Down to the Nitty GrittyNBC Teams with HQ for Special $50K Game Tonight
From The Futon Critic

NBC's four-time Emmy Award-winning musical competition series "The Voice" will team up with interactive global game show sensation HQ Trivia for a first-of-its-kind partnership on Monday, May 14, giving fans and viewers a chance to watch and play for a $50,000 cash prize and a trip for two to Los Angeles to attend "The Voice" live season finale performance show on Monday, May 21.

During the Monday May 14 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT) live telecast, Rogowsky will make a special guest appearance live from "The Voice" stage at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. Viewers are encouraged to tune in to the telecast and watch for hints to be ready for the special edition of HQ later that night.

The special HQ game will be co-hosted by "Voice" coaches Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton and HQ Trivia host Scott Rogowsky live at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET, giving viewers and "Voice" fans the opportunity to play and win.

"I'm excited to co-host the first-ever 'Voice' HQ game with my very chatty friend Kelly Clarkson on Monday," said Shelton. "Don't get up to go to the fridge during the show because the only way to win is to watch closely!" Clarkson added, "For once, Blake and I will be on the same team, and we will be rooting for you all to win!"

"We are thrilled to be at the forefront of such an innovative and interactive television-gaming experience that will give our fans the opportunity to win a huge prize by simply watching the show," said Audrey Morrissey, "Voice" showrunner and executive producer. "We can't wait to bring the HQ 'Voice' game to our fans and have the winner join us at the finale!"

"HQ and 'The Voice' are fortunate to have passionate, engaged fans. Our players have certainly made HQ what it is today, and have been such an integral part of shaping the HQ experience," said Brandon Teitel, Head of Programming and Strategic Partnerships at HQ. "We are so excited to welcome 'Voice' fans to our 'HQuniverse.'"

Hmm...a ten-letter word for "a game show that's the last hurrah for a decent talk-show host". Ah, that would be "Merv Griffin's Crosswords"..."C-R-O-S-S-W-O-R-D-S". Chris Wolvie gets out his pencil and his dictionary to show you a "Games Gone By..." that gets you neither "down" nor "a-cross".

Joni Day Called UpFremantleMedia Promotes "Beat the Clock" Producer
From Realscreen

FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) has expanded its unscripted executive team with the promotion of industry veteran Joni Day, and the addition of Colin Nash and Jean Shi.

Day has been lifted to SVP of alternative programming and development. In her new executive role at FMNA, she will focus on finding global formats for broadcast. Day currently serves as an executive producer for FMNA's kids' game show The Noise and the game show reboot of Beat the Clock, both on Universal Kids.

Day has been with FremantleMedia since 2013 and has previously served as VP of alternative programming and development. In that role, she managed development and production of reality competitions, game shows and other unscripted television programming.

During her five-year tenure at FMNA, the executive has also helped develop and launch series such as The Great Christmas Light Fight, Match Game and To Tell the Truth. Day has also received Emmy Award nominations for her work on both ABC's Shark Tank and NBC's The Voice.

Additionally, FMNA has named Colin Nash as SVP of alternative programming and development, and Jean Shi as VP of alternative programming & development. Under the new title, Nash will focus on streaming and digital partners to expand FremantleMedia's portfolio.

Nash formerly served as SVP of unscripted development and series at MTV, where he oversaw some of the Viacom youth network's biggest series, such as True Life, The Real World and The Challenge. He also shepherded MTV's first investigative series, Unlocking the Truth, the docuseries comedy Buckwild, and the behind-the-scenes music documentary with Rory Kramer, Dare to Live. Nash's career has led him to produce for a variety of networks including ABC, The CW, VH1, TLC and The WB.

Rounding out the team as VP of alternative programming and development, Shi will be tasked with developing and selling original unscripted series, with a particular focus on global formats for cable. Shi joins FMNA from Invent Media where she most recently served as SVP of development. The executive also spent three years in the NBCUniversal Group at Oxygen Media where she shepherded such series as Pretty.Strong., Douglas Family Gold, Strut, Battle of the Ex-Besties, Last Squad Standing and Three Days to Live, among others. Shi has previously held a variety of titles at GRB Entertainment, Lion Television (All3Media) and Painless Productions.

Third "World"NBC Renews "World of Dance" For Season 3 Ahead of Season 2 Premiere
From TV Line

NBC is World of Dance-ing as fast as it can.

The Peacock network on Thursday announced that its summertime dance competition series has been renewed for Season 3, weeks ahead of its Season 2 premiere (airing Tuesday, May 29 at 10/9c).

"We set out to make World of Dance a competition series of the highest caliber — every act that hits the stage gives their all and challenges themselves against the most elite athletes in the world," Jennifer Lopez said in a statement. "As an executive producer and judge, I'm constantly reminded of the heart and determination it takes to rise to the challenge and become the best of the best. I can't wait to see the talent that comes across our stage for Season 3."

In its first season, World of Dance averaged 7.7 million total viewers and a 1.8 demo rating, making it last summer's most watched and top-rated new program, and broadcast-TV's No. 2 summer show overall (trailing only its lead-in, America's Got Talent).

After gaining a handful of new social features earlier this year, live game show HQ Trivia is getting even more social beginning this week.

The company announced today that starting this week, users will be able to see their friends' answers during Friday games.

The new answer sharing feature is based around last month's announcement of adding friends in the HQ Trivia app, which can be done either via connecting your address book or searching by username.

Once a user has added friends on HQ Trivia, they will be able to see their answers during games. Essentially, this means that as the 10 second clock ticks down, you can see your friends' answer choices in real-time, which could be a major help if you happen not to know the answer to a question.

HQ Trivia explains that this feature will only be available during games on Fridays, however, so you won't be able to rely on your friends all of the time.

In addition to answer sharing, HQ Trivia is adding a new Nearby Friends feature that will allow users to see players physically around them who are in the same game as them. This means that if you're playing in a public place, you can see other HQ Trivia players who are physically near you.

THE FOUR: BATTLE FOR STARDOM Season Two Premieres Thursday, June 7 @ 8/7c on FOX After a worldwide search, FOUR fierce recording artists have been chosen to enter the competition of a lifetime on THE FOUR: BATTLE FOR STARDOM, hosted by Fergie. These four recording artists, spanning all music genres, will fight to defend their coveted spots on the stage, as newcomers challenge them and try to knock them out of the competition. Each week, if any of the four are outperformed, they'll go home and their challenger will take their place. The recording artist who is the last standing at the end of the competition will earn the ultimate prize: the panel of industry experts - Sean "Diddy" Combs, DJ Khaled and Meghan Trainor - become key players on their team. Additionally, as part of the grand prize, the winner will be named an iHeartRadio "On The Verge" artist. iHeartRadio's "On The Verge" program provides artists with unparalleled national reach through on-air radio exposure, as well as digital and social support across iHeartMedia's powerful range of music and entertainment platforms.

Payment Becomes Due July 10TruTV Gives Drop Date for "Paid Off with Michael Torpey"
From The Wrap

TruTV has unveiled its 2018-19 programming slate ahead of the Turner upfront presentation next week, including renewals for "Adam Ruins Everything" and "Hack My Life," and new projects from Ken Jeong and "Super Troopers" duo Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme.

Also set to premiere is "Paid Off with Michael Torpey", due up at 10p ET July 10.

The student loan crisis is ridiculous, so comedian Michael Torpey ("Orange is the New Black") is solving it in the most ridiculous way possible – a comedy game show. "Paid Off with Michael Torpey" gives three lucky college grads – all saddled with student debt – the chance to test the depth of their degrees with fun, fast paced trivia questions. In the end, one lucky winner will get the chance to have their student debt paid off. The series is co-created by Torpey and Cowboy Bear Ninja, who also produces. Michael Melamedoff and Adrian Selkowitz serve as executive producers for Cowboy Bear Ninja alongside executive producers Torpey, Ethan Berlin and Leigh Hampton..

From "Feud" to "Pointless"?Channel 10 Cancels "Family Feud" After 4 Years
From Sydney Morning Herald

Grieving Family Feud fans have something to look forward to.

Australia will soon get a new quiz show straight from the shores of the United Kingdom. That is, if the producers at EndemolShine get their way. Loading

The production company behind some of Network Ten's biggest reality TV shows – including MasterChef and The Bachelor – is on the hunt for people based in New South Wales for a local version of British game show Pointless.

Over the years, similar formats have been developed in France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. In Australia, the ABC currently airs the British format.

On Tuesday, Network Ten revealed it was putting Grant Denyer's Family Feud on ice after 1200 episodes. A spokesman said it would be announcing "an exciting new game show" taken from a successful overseas format shortly.

SYNDIES: Week 31Results for the Week Ending April 29
From TV Newscheck

Syndication leader Judge Judy's ratings were on fire in an otherwise tepid session ending April 29, easily outperforming all shows in a frame that included the first two weekdays of the important May sweep.

Judy was the only member of syndication's 7-rating club, jumping 6% to a four-week high 7.0 live-plus-same-day national Nielsen, and blowing away all rivals for the 10th week in a row.

In access, game shows stalled. Family Feud was flat at a 6.5, but led the category. Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune each fell 5% to 5.9 and 5.8, respectively.

In the household rating rankings that follow, % change is from the previous week; * indicates a new season-high rating; ** indicates a new season low; NC indicates no change from the previous week; NA mean not applicable.

NBC (6.760 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.3, #1) cruised to another victory on Monday with a new "The Voice" (8.301 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.4, #1) followed by the season premiere of "Running Wild with Bear Grylls" (3.680 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T3).

ABC (6.378 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T2) then was the number two draw with originals from "Dancing with the Stars" (7.644 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T3) and "The Crossing" (3.847 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.5, #11).

Alone... TogetherHistory to Launch All-Star Edition June 14
From the Futon Critic

Second chances don't come often, but this season on "Alone" it's all about redemption as former participants of HISTORY's hit nonfiction survival series return in season five premiering Thursday, June 14 at 10PM ET/PT.

Dropped off in Northern Mongolia, the most remote location yet, the ten survivalists will be separated by miles and endure brutal, subzero temperatures, deadly predators and punishing isolation, as they push themselves once more to their limits. After coming up short in their respective seasons, these men and women have even greater motivations and well-planned strategies for survival. They must build their own shelters, hunt their own food, and overcome numerous deadly obstacles - such as the venomous Siberian Pit Viper and feral wolves - if they want to be the last person standing. With ten survival tools each, enough camera gear to self-document their experiences and a cash prize of $500,000 on the line, season five will bring higher stakes, impressive levels of ingenuity and a greater desire to succeed than ever before. No camera crew. No gimmicks. "Alone" is the utmost test of human will and fierce determination to overcome the elements. This season, who will have the strength to endure the longest and win the ultimate prize?

Would You Look at a Stranger's Phone for a Date?Fox TV Stations Option Snapchat Series
From Broadway World

According to Deadline, Snapchat series PHONE SWAP is moving from its mobile environment to television. FOX signed a deal today to have the reality show, currently on Snapchat, to air on the network this summer.

The series involves individuals having the chance to trade phones with a stranger and look through it before deciding if they want to go on a date with them. Each half hour episode airs twice a week on Snapchat, where it is currently on its second season.

The show revolves around a touch-screen LED floor that reacts to the competitors' steps as they make their way through three rounds of trivia and physical challenges where the fastest answers will catch and eliminate the competition until the last contestant is standing. The last round sees a chance for the finalist to double their winnings again or leave empty-handed.

"We are fans of Catch as an exciting, cutting-edge show that could entertain British viewers, bringing both entertainment, skill and suspense to a great gameshow format," said Larry Bass, CEO of ShinAwil, in a statement.

ABC/FremantleMedia North AmericaLet's Idol AgainABC Gives Greenlight on Season 17 of Rebooted "Idol"
From TV Line

After the nationwide vote, ABC is staying in the music business, renewing American Idol for a second season on the network (and the show's 17th overall).

In addition to hiring new judges — Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie — ABC's revamped Idol also introduced a new voting system, allowing viewers from all across these United States to cast their ballots live, with performances and eliminations being squeezed into one live show per week.

Seven weeks into its ABC revival run, Idol is averaging 7.6 million total viewers and a 1.6 demo rating. In the two-hour Sunday slot — in recent years a weak spot for the network — it has given ABC its biggest audiences in four years and its best demo number in three.

Before its run on ABC, Idol aired for 15 seasons (2002–2016) on Fox, launching the careers of superstars like Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood.

It's On This Saturday! Final Answer."Millionaire" Returns to ITV This Weekend
From ITV Press Centre

To mark the 20th anniversary of the global hit game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, the iconic program will return to ITV for a week of celebratory episodes, starting this Saturday.

Airing as a stripped event across the week, the 7x60 minute episodes will play out every night and will be hosted by brand new presenter, Jeremy Clarkson.

The show will offer members of the public the chance to win £1,000,000. Each contestant will have the opportunity to answer 15 questions on their way to hopefully winning this life changing prize. The contestants will be helped along the way by familiar lifelines of 'Ask The Audience', 'Phone a Friend' and '50:50', plus a brand new fourth lifeline; 'Ask The Host'.

This brand new, additional lifeline allows the contestant to 'Ask The Host' if he [Jeremy Clarkson] knows the answer or if he has an opinion on what it might be. Jeremy never sees the questions ahead of the contestants so there is no guarantee he will know the answer. Will Jeremy be able to help someone along the way to winning one million pounds or will it cost them everything?

In another twist, contestants will be able to set their own second safety net amount. There is a fixed safety net at £1,000, meaning once a contestant has successfully answered Question 5 and won £1,000, that's the minimum they will take home. Traditionally, the second safety net was automatically set at £32,000. However, in these seven celebratory episodes, this new twist will allow the second safety net to be set by each contestant. Once they have banked £1,000, they will be given the opportunity to set their safety net ahead of the next question being asked. They can set their safety net only once and anywhere from £2,000 to £500,000. Will contestants be brave enough to risk losing big money in the hope to go all the way?

Jeremy Clarkson said "If the contestant chooses that lifeline [Ask The Host], they get to ask me if I know the answer. God help them. Anyone who doesn't win £1,000,000 is bound, at some point, to ask me if I know the answer. And if it's 1970's prog rock music, I probably will. If it's anything other than that, I probably won't."

On talking about the safety net changes, Jeremy Clarkson added "They can choose where it goes. So they choose how much they are going to lose at any given moment, which is a very clever idea. That requires balls of steel. To go beyond, say £32,000, when you're going to drop back to £1,000 if you get it wrong. To say, 'no I'll set it at £64,000 and risk losing £63,000 if I get it wrong', balls of steel."

The series will be produced by Stellify Media with filming taking place in Manchester. Commissioned for ITV by Siobhan Greene, Head of Entertainment, with Ben Kelly Commissioning Editor, it will be executive produced by Fiona Clark and Stellify's joint managing directors Kieran Doherty and Matthew Worthy, with Julia Knowles as Director.

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire is a Sony Pictures Television format. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? starts Saturday 5th May at 9.15pm on ITV and continues nightly thorough-out the week at 9pm .

Fox bubble drama Gotham this Thursday drew 1.92 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating, ticking down on both counts to mark brand-new series lows. Leading out of that, Showtime at the Apollo (2.3 mil/0.6) was steady.

Elsewhere….

THE CW | Supernatural (1.4 mil/0.4) dipped. Arrow (1.11 mil/0.4) ticked up in the demo while rising to its best audience since March 29.

ABC | Grey's Anatomy (6.6 mil/1.6) ticked up, Station 19 (5.2 mil/1.1) grew two tenths and Quantico (2.2 mil/0.5) was steady in the demo while dipping to an audience low.

Here's Your First SubjectHere's Your Celebrity Lineup for "The $100,000 Pyramid" this Summer
From the Futon Critic

The Pyramid is back! As part of ABC's "Sunday Fun & Games," the Emmy(R) Award-winning pop-culture phenomenon is reimagined and better than ever. Featuring an all-star cast of celebrities who take center stage and partner with contestants from across the country competing against each other with hopes of making it to the winners' circle and the ultimate prize of $100,000,

"The $100,000 Pyramid" premieres SUNDAY, JUNE 10 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.

"The $100,000 Pyramid" is the timeless word-association game in which two celebrities and their partners face off in a race against the clock to make it to the winners' circle and take home $100,000. "Good Morning America"'s Michael Strahan hosts "The $100,000 Pyramid."

Oh Man... Azteca Gets in the GameAzteca Greenlights Version of "My Man Can"
From Deadline

Spanish-language broadcaster Azteca America unveiled its 2018-2019 programming line-up at its upfront presentation Wednesday in New York City. Its slate includes new reality series Lights, Phone Action, and horror show Mas Alla del Miedo (Beyond Fear), four specials, including the return of the Miss Universe pageant for the fourth consecutive year, new game show Mi Pareja Puede, based on the international format My Man Can, and boxing competition series Al Ritmo del Boxeo, hosted by Roberto Durán.

In addition, Azteca America announced the launch of AZ Corazon, a 24/7 telenovela channel.

The broadcaster's upfront comes on the heels of its acquisition by HC2 Holdings' subsidiary HC2 Network, which provides expanded distribution and scale across its linear and digital channels. Azteca America continues to have access to TV Azteca's current programming and library in Mexico, including top entertainment shows, talk shows, reality programs, network and local news, as well as telenovelas and other scripted series.

More on "The Gong Show" Season 2Here's Who's Been Tapped for Mallet Duty
From THe Futon Critic

"The Gong Show," which makes its triumphant return to television on THURSDAY, JUNE 21 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC and stars celebrated film and television actor/comedian Mike Myers as the show's host - British comedic legend Tommy Maitland - has announced the names of some of the revolving panel of judges set to praise, critique and gong contestants in one of TV's all-time great variety shows.

Returning to helm the gong from last season are executive producer Will Arnett, Dana Carvey, Ken Jeong and Rob Riggle; and making their judging debut are Alyson Hannigan, Jimmy Kimmel, Brad Paisley and Jason Sudeikis - with more to come!

Performers, such as contortionists, singers, magicians, dancers, jugglers and dancing dogs, are just some of the dozens and dozens of acts that are set to impress our panel of three celebrity judges. If any of the judges deem an act to be less than worthy of a score, they can pick up a mallet and hit the giant gong that is hanging behind them and end the underwhelming performance. But if the judges are happy with the act, they will let it play out until the end and present their scores numerically from 0 through 10. It's not uncommon for fights to break out amongst the judges when one of them wants to gong an act, while the others want to let them play on. At the end of each show, the winning performer or act with the highest judges' scores will receive a fabulous "The Gong Show" trophy and a check.

SYNDIES: Week 30Results for the Week Ending April 22
From TV Newscheck

Among talk shows, first-run syndication's largest category, only The Doctors, Steve, Ellen DeGeneres and Dr. Oz moved up in the last full week before the May sweep. The other 10 veteran gabfests were mostly unchanged from the previous frame in the session ending April 22.

The Doctors prescribed the biggest increase, growing 14% to a 0.8 live-plus-same-day national Nielsen rating. Steve, starring Steve Harvey, who just won the Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host Emmy, strengthened 8% to a 1.3 and jumped 17% in the key women 25-54 demo.

In the household rating rankings that follow, % change is from the previous week; * indicates a new season-high rating; ** indicates a new season low; NC indicates no change from the previous week; NA mean not applicable.

MONDAY: I Ran, I Ran So Far Away"Voice" Holds Off Down-But-Not-Out ABC, "Dancing"
From THe Futon Critic

NBC (7.195 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.4, #1) was still the network to beat on Monday with a new "The Voice" (8.672 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.6, #1) followed by the season finale of "Good Girls" (4.242 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.9, #3).

ABC (6.902 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.9, #2) then was the silver draw with the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars" (8.454 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.1, #2) alongside a new "The Crossing" (3.798 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T11).

More on "TKO"Producers Named for CBS' New Obstacle Course
From THe Futon Critic

Veteran producers Holly Wofford and Jane Y. Mun have been named as executive producers and showrunners for TKO: TOTAL KNOCK OUT, a new one-hour obstacle course competition series from executive producer Mark Burnett (SURVIVOR, "The Voice," "Shark Tank"). The 10-episode series will premiere in summer 2018 on CBS.

As previously announced, Kevin Hart will serve as the host and an executive producer. "Holly and Jane are incredible producers and have separately worked with me for many years," said Burnett. "I am thrilled to put them together to lead our TKO team. They are both top-level network showrunners, and I look forward to working alongside these amazing women again."

Emmy Award-nominated producer Holly Wofford has worked on numerous successful television franchises. She started her career at "America's Most Wanted" and went on to work with Burnett on CBS' SURVIVOR before developing the format for "American Ninja Warrior" and "ANW: USA vs. Japan." In addition, she executive produced and was the showrunner on network series "America Ninja Warrior," "Strong," "The Island" and "Supernanny," among others.

Jane Y. Mun's credits include some of the biggest awards shows, music specials and groundbreaking events on television. For over a decade, she produced both "The People's Choice Awards" and "The MTV Movie Awards," with Burnett, as well as "The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards." Her additional credits include "Lip Sync Battle Live," "America's Best Dance Crew: All Stars" and "The Sing Off."

Channel 4 has confirmed the start date for The £100k Drop, its new daytime version of hit gameshow The Million Pound Drop.

Last year it was revealed that the big-money format would be rebooted for an afternoon timeslot.

Now, over three years since the Drop was last on our screens, we finally know it will be back.

The £100k Drop begins on Monday 7th May on Channel 4, airing every weekday at 4.00pm.

One of C4's boldest daytime commissions in recent years, bosses will no doubt be hoping it proves a success. However, the scheduling means it'll be up against ITV's ever-popular Tipping Point, which usually has around 2million viewers.

Davina McCall is back to present the show, which, as its name suggests, now has a £100,000 top prize.

GAMES GONE BY: The MoneymazeNew Season... New Games!
From GSNN's Chris Wolvie

Maybe contestants were more healthy in the 1970s. Or maybe people were getting tired of just watching people answering questions. Either way, someone had the bright idea of having people answer questions just so OTHER people run around in a maze for prizes and $10,000. Chris Wolvie takes a look a one of the "Games Gone By..." that more-than-likely started the "physical game show", "The Moneymaze".

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